Migraine and stroke: contraceptive risk
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Migraine and stroke: contraceptive risk. Combined oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) increase stroke risk 6-fold. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Risk of stroke with contraceptives in migraine
- Combined oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) increase stroke risk 6-fold
- The risk is only for migraine with aura
High stroke-risk contraceptives
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Medium stroke-risk contraceptives
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Non-stroke-risk contraceptives
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Indications for caution with contraceptives in migraine
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References
- Sacco S, Merki-Feld GS, Ægidius KL, et al; European Headache Federation (EHF) and the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC). 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). J Headache Pain 2017; 18:108.
- Bushnell CD. Migraine and risk of ischaemic stroke: an evidence-based medicine review. JCOM 2001; 8:33-39.
- Sheikh HU, Pavlovic J, Loder E, Burch R. Risk of stroke associated with use of estrogen containing contraceptives in women with migraine: a systematic review. Headache 2018; 58:5-21.
- Champaloux SW, Tepper NK, Monsour M, et al. Use of combined hormonal contraceptives among women with migraines and risk of ischemic stroke. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 216:489.e1-489.e7.
