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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Stroke Out????
        
(Message started by: j_erickson85 on Mar 8^th, 2006, 6:47pm)

Title: Stroke Out????
Post by j_erickson85 on Mar 8^th, 2006, 6:47pm

Hello I was wondering if anyone has heard of somebody having a stroke or a heart attack or anything of this nature happen during a CH. [smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: Stroke Out????
Post by nani on Mar 8^th, 2006, 7:16pm

That question was asked of Dr Noah Rosen in a recent OUCH newsletter. Here's his response:

Ask Dr Rosen
by Noah Rosen, MD

Q: Does having cluster headache increase the risk of having a stroke or TIA?

A: The simple answer is no, having cluster headache does not seem to increase the risk of stroke. In fact, one possible risk factor for stroke seen in some patients with migraine (antiphospholipid antibodies) has been shown to be no more common in cluster headache sufferers than the general population. However, the area has not been extensively researched.
In the medical literature there are a number of case reports of severe, unilateral paroxysmal headache disorders being caused by a variety of intracranial lesions: Arteriovenous malformations, dissections of intracranial blood vessels and infarctions (strokes) of both the upper spinal cord and the brain stem. These are termed secondary headaches and suggest the need to obtain neuroimaging in any new onset severe headaches.
I should mention that cigarette smoking, extremely common in people with cluster headaches, is a significant stroke risk factor. While stopping smoking does not seem to affect cluster headache frequency, it can dramatically cut down the risk of emphysema, stroke, heart attack and cancer.

Dr Rosen is an Instructor of Neurology, Director of Fellowship Training Program, Co-Clerkship Director for Neurology Jefferson Headache Center
Philadelphia, PA

Title: Re: Stroke Out????
Post by Jonny on Mar 8^th, 2006, 7:25pm

Way to go, Nani!

I knew your beauty was not the only reason I loved you. ...... :-*