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Determines whether migraine is a risk factor for ischemic stroke in young women. Main outcome measures; Effect of oral contraceptive use and smoking.

Objective To explore the association between migraine and risk of ischaemic stroke. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Observational studies published between 1966 and June 2004 (identified through Medline and Embase) that examined the association between migraine and risk of ischaemic stroke. Results 14 studies (11 case-control studies and 3 cohort studies) were identified. These studies suggest that the risk of stroke is increased in people with migraine (relative risk 2.16, 95% confidence interval 1.89 to 2.48). This increase in risk was consistent in people who had migraine with aura (relative risk 2.27, 1.61 to 3.19) and migraine without aura (relative risk 1.83, 1.06 to 3.15), as well as in those taking oral contraceptives (relative risk 8.72, 5.05 to 15.05). Conclusions Data from observational studies suggest that migraine may be a risk factor in developing stroke. More studies are needed to explore the mechanism of this potential association. In addition, the risk of migraine among users of oral contraceptives must be further investigated.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an editorial on a paper in this issue on migraine and ischaemic stroke. Report which suggests an association between migraine sufferers and increased risk of stroke; Caution that the figures may not be accurate and the reasons for that; Belief that older people with migraines may need to be assessed more carefully than younger victims; Some medical conditions associated with an increase in the risk of stroke which can also cause migraine; How neither stroke or migraine are just single diseases; Suggestions for clinical treatment of migraine with particular interest in the use of oral contraceptives.

Presents corrections and clarifications to articles in previous issues. "Population based randomised controlled trial on impact of screening on mortality from abdominal aortic aneurysm"; "Risk of ischaemic stoke in people with migraine:systematic reviews and meta-analysis of observational studies"; "Minerva."