Improvement of migraine headaches after percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism

Abstract

These results suggest that percutaneous PFO closure durably alters the spontaneous course of shunt-associated migraine, especially but not exclusively in case of migraine with aura.

Patent foramen ovale: to close or not to close – still the question

“…Nonetheless, migraine symptoms were reduced in 75% of patients after PFO closure for different reasons [49]. The positive effect was observed regardless of residual shunt and was more pronounced in migraineurs with aura [49][50][51][52].…”

Treatment of migraine: update on new therapies

“…Yet another retrospective study of endovascular patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in migraineurs for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism reported improvement of migraine: 34% of patients were migraine-free and 48% were improved [49]. More interestingly, Rigatelli et al…”

Patent Foramen Ovale

“…Others have reported complete resolution of migraines in 60% of patients and improvement in symptoms in 40% of patients after transcatheter closure of atrial shunts (36). Wahl et al (37) evaluated migraine symptoms at a mean follow-up of 5 years in a retrospective cohort of patients who had transcatheter PFO closure for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism. The prevalence of migraine with aura and the number of patients on migraine medication decreased significantly, suggesting beneficial reduction of symptoms, especially in migraine with aura (37).…”