 |
|
|
|
|
Gene Could Boost Stroke Risk for Migraine Sufferers
|
| | | | Related Healthscout Videos | |
|
Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 Kurth also noted that researchers can't know from this study what the effect of this gene might be for men.
Another expert agreed.
"The problem here is they're trying to find the exact gene, and they're getting into the ballpark, but to isolate the exact gene is so complicated. This might be more of an association rather than a direct cause, so until more research is done, screening isn't justified," said Dr. Keith Siller, medical director of the Comprehensive Stroke Care Center at New York University's Langone Medical Center in New York City.
Text Continues Below
There may still be ways women with migraine can cut their stroke risk, however. Both Kurth and Siller said that while no one should smoke, it's especially important that women who have migraines with aura forgo cigarettes. Additionally, since birth control pills can increase the risk of vascular problems, women who smoke or have migraines with auras might want to discuss other birth control options with their doctors, Kurth said.
"The take-home message here is that if you have migraine with aura, you're likely have an increased stroke risk and you may want to be more careful," said Siller.
More information
To learn more about migraine with aura, visit the National Library of Medicine.
Page: << Prev | 1 | 2
|
Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last updated 7/31/2008
|
|
SOURCES: Tobias Kurth, M.D., Sc.D., assistant professor, medicine, Harvard Medical School, and associate epidemiologist, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass.; Keith Siller, M.D., medical director, Comprehensive Stroke Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, and assistant professor, New York University School of Medicine; July 30, 2008 online edition Neurology
|
.gif)
