Closure of a patent foramen ovale is associated with a decrease in prevalence of migraine: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Background - A causal relationship between migraine and a right-to-left shunt, due to a patent foramen ovale (PFO), has been suggested. In mainly retrospective studies, percutaneous closure of a PFO has been associated with a decrease in the prevalence of migraine. Objective - In this prospective observational study we evaluated whether percutaneous closure of a PFO is associated with a decrease in the prevalence of migraine. Methods - Between November 2003 and August 2005, we included 92 patients (age≥ 16 years) who underwent a percutaneous closure of a symptomatic PFO, which was considered to be related to a paradoxical embolism.They received a headache questionnaire before and six months ..