Hormonal contraceptives and risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraine: a consensus statement from the European Headache Federation (EHF) and the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC)

TY - JOUR

T1 - Hormonal contraceptives and risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraine

T2 - a consensus statement from the European Headache Federation (EHF) and the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC)

AU - Sacco, Simona

AU - Merki-Feld, Gabriele S

AU - Ægidius, Karen Lehrmann

AU - Bitzer, Johannes

AU - Canonico, Marianne

AU - Kurth, Tobias

AU - Lampl, Christian

AU - Lidegaard, Øjvind

AU - Anne MacGregor, E

AU - MaassenVanDenBrink, Antoinette

AU - Mitsikostas, Dimos-Dimitrios

AU - Nappi, Rossella Elena

AU - Ntaios, George

AU - Sandset, Per Morten

AU - Martelletti, Paolo

AU - European Headache Federation (EHF) and the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC)

PY - 2017/12/1

Y1 - 2017/12/1

N2 - Several data indicate that migraine, especially migraine with aura, is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and other vascular events. Of concern is whether the risk of ischemic stroke in migraineurs is magnified by the use of hormonal contraceptives. As migraine prevalence is high in women of reproductive age, it is common to face the issue of migraine and hormonal contraceptive use in clinical practice. In this document, we systematically reviewed data about the association between migraine, ischemic stroke and hormonal contraceptive use. Thereafter a consensus procedure among international experts was done to develop statements to support clinical decision making, in terms of cardiovascular safety, for prescription of hormonal contraceptives to women with migraine. Overall, quality of current evidence regarding the risk of ischemic stroke in migraineurs associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives is low. Available data suggest that combined hormonal contraceptive may further increase the risk of ischemic stroke in those who have migraine, specifically migraine with aura. Thus, our current statements privilege safety and provide several suggestions to try to avoid possible risks. As the quality of available data is poor further research is needed on this topic to increase safe use of hormonal contraceptives in women with migraine.

AB - Several data indicate that migraine, especially migraine with aura, is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and other vascular events. Of concern is whether the risk of ischemic stroke in migraineurs is magnified by the use of hormonal contraceptives. As migraine prevalence is high in women of reproductive age, it is common to face the issue of migraine and hormonal contraceptive use in clinical practice. In this document, we systematically reviewed data about the association between migraine, ischemic stroke and hormonal contraceptive use. Thereafter a consensus procedure among international experts was done to develop statements to support clinical decision making, in terms of cardiovascular safety, for prescription of hormonal contraceptives to women with migraine. Overall, quality of current evidence regarding the risk of ischemic stroke in migraineurs associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives is low. Available data suggest that combined hormonal contraceptive may further increase the risk of ischemic stroke in those who have migraine, specifically migraine with aura. Thus, our current statements privilege safety and provide several suggestions to try to avoid possible risks. As the quality of available data is poor further research is needed on this topic to increase safe use of hormonal contraceptives in women with migraine.

U2 - 10.1186/s10194-017-0815-1

DO - 10.1186/s10194-017-0815-1

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 29086160

SN - 1129-2369

VL - 18

JO - Journal of Headache and Pain

JF - Journal of Headache and Pain

M1 - 108

ER -