Prevalence of migraine headache in an in-patient stroke population

Introduction Migraine, especially with aura, is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. In this study, we investigated descriptive data and prevalence of migraine in an in‐patient stroke population. Materials and methods Patients with acute cerebrovascular disease (CVD) admitted to the stroke unit during a 6‐month period were recruited. Prevalence of migraine was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Additional clinical data regarding risk factors for CVD were evaluated for all responding patients. Results A total of 229 patients received a questionnaire and 175 answers were collected (response frequency of 76.4%). Responders matched the initial cohort regarding distribution of age, sex, and type of stroke. Thirty‐six cases (20.6%) fulfilled the criteria for migraine or probable migraine according to the 2nd edition of the International Headache Classification (ICHD‐2). Sixty percent of migraine patients had migraine with aura. Stroke patients with migraine were younger (P = 0.007), the presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) was significantly increased (P = 0.008), and atrial fibrillation was less common (P = 0.048). There were no other differences between patients with and without migraine headache regarding conventional risk factors. Conclusions The prevalence of migraine in this hospital‐based stroke cohort was comparable to the estimated prevalence of migraine usually described in population studies. In our study population, the prevalence of migraine with aura was higher than expected. The increased prevalence of PFO in patients with migraine headache corresponds well to previous population studies.