A hole in the heart (patent foramen ovale, or PFO) may trigger migraine headaches. Although there is evidence of a link, more research is needed before surgery is recommended as a migraine treatment.
What is PFO
PFO is a hole in the wall separating the right and left heart chambers. Blood from the right chamber travels to the lungs, picks up oxygen, goes to the left chamber and out to the body. With PFO, blood from the two chambers may mix, allowing unoxygenated blood circulate and "starve" organs.
Cause
All babies have PFO, but it usually closes before birth. About 20 percent of adults have PFO, almost all without symptoms or problems. Fewer than 1 percent need corrective surgery.
Migraine
Migraine is a severe headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine may last from four hours to four days.
PFO and Migraine
PFO may trigger migraine by allowing blood with insufficient oxygen to reach the brain.
Link
Studies found a higher prevalence of PFO in people with migraines than those without. Also, migraines decreased after PFO was surgically corrected. Non-migraine headaches did not decrease.
Caution
PFO surgery is not recommended as migraine treatment. Research is ongoing.
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