“Aura” Migraine Risk

Young women who have migraines with auras you are twice as likely to have a stroke new research has found, reports the BBC. “Auras are sensory or visual disturbances that occur before or during a migraine headache. Based on available evidence, the risk is greater if the woman is under 45, smokes and is on the contraceptive pill, say international experts. But a migraine charity said most sufferers did not have auras and the absolute risk of a stroke was small. Migraines affect between 10 and 20 per cent of people and are four times as common in women compared to men.” The authors of the report recommend that women who have migraines should give up smoking and avoid using the contraceptive pill if possible.