Heart problems related to migraines?

Question

My doctor wants to maybe look into whether or not I have a hole in my heart. He thinks that it may be a cause for my frequent, severe, and abnormal migraines. Has anyone ever had a hole repaired in order to cure their migraines? Did it work?

Answer 1

Hi there! The hole you're referring to is called a patent foamen ovale (PFO). We all have them before we're born, but they usually close by birth. There are clinical trials underway to determine whether closing it is a viable option for migraine prevention. Until the trials are completed, even if you do have a PFO, you probably wouldn't be able to have the surgery for closure because it's not yet FDA approved for migraine prevention. In the trial in the UK, there was about a 37% reduction in migraines. Even for people who had the PFO and had it closed, it didn't eliminate all Migraines. Keep in mind that there is no cure for migraines at this point. You might check http://www.clinicaltrials.gov to see if there's a trial in your area.

Answer 2

I suspect your doctor wants to see if you have what is called a Patent foramen ovale. Its a small defect in the wall between the two upper chambers of your heart. Most people are born with this, but it usually seals up about 80% of the time.

Migraines may be a symptom of this disorder. And yes, surgical repair does work....IF you have a PFO. If it is not the cause of your migraines, then your doctor will try other things like medication. He/she is trying right now to rule out the most serious possible causes for your migraines.

The tests to diagnose this are simple and painless.

Answer 3

I hope you find the root cause of your migraine problems, especially if you have heart problems. Topamax is one of the best medicinces at migraine prevention.

Answer 4

http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr_feb04_foramen.html