People with migraine may be more at risk of ischaemic strokes or mental health difficulties. But the risk is small.
Ischaemic stroke
An ischaemic stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is blocked by a blood clot or material in the arteries.
People who have migraine with aura are twice as likely to have an ischaemic stroke than people without migraine. But this risk is still small.
The link between ischaemic strokes and migraine is not clear.
But there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
- have your blood pressure and pulse checked
- eat a healthy diet
- do regular physical activity
- do not smoke - get help to quit smoking
- avoid drinking too much alcohol
- do not use drugs - for example cocaine
The contraceptive pill and stroke risk
Important
Do not take the combined oral contraceptive pill, ring or patch if you have a migraine with aura. It increases your risk of having an ischaemic stroke.
Ask your GP about the type of contraception you can use if you have migraine with:
- aura symptoms
- risk factors for stroke - such as high blood pressure or a family history of cardiovascular disease
Contraception choices - sexualwellbeing.ie
If you have migraine without aura and no other risk factors for stroke, you can take the combined contraceptive pill.
Mental health difficulties
If you have migraine, you may be more at risk of mental health difficulties or conditions. But this risk is very small.
Conditions linked to migraine include:
If you have migraine and mental health difficulties, talk to your GP. They can work with you on a treatment plan to help with both.
Migraine and stress
Stress can trigger migraine attacks.
But issues related to migraine can also cause stress, such as:
- unpredictable attacks
- fear of triggering an attack
- stigma - negative beliefs about migraine or people who have migraine
- discrimination - where you are treated unfairly because of your condition
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
