PFO and Migraine

During the last couple of years especially, a lot of evidence has emerged that there’s a connection between a certain heart defect and migraine.  That condition is called Patent Foramen Ovale, or PFO.  PFO is a common defect where there is a hole between two different parts of the heart.  This defect is not usually serious, and many people are not even aware that they have it.  Occasionally, it can allow the wrong type of blood to reach the brain.

Sometimes due to other medical considerations, doctors will close this hole.  They started to notice that migraineurs were reporting a decrease in migraine symptoms after the procedure.  This was especially true for those who had aura.  Some patients even found complete relief.

This phenomenon is now being studied in more detail in the MIST Trial.  This trial is taking place in the UK.  I know we have many visitors from that part of the world.  If you want to find out if you qualify for the clinical trial, fill out this questionnaire [link no longer available].  We look forward to hearing the results!