People with migraines may also be more likely to develop blood clots in their veins, according to a study published in the journal Neurology.

For the study, 574 people in Italy age 55 and up were interviewed to determine whether they had a history of migraine or migraine at the time of the evaluation and their medical records were reviewed for cases of venous thrombosis. The arteries in their necks and thighs were also scanned with ultrasounds to check for atherosclerosis.

Of the participants, 111 people had migraine. A total of 21 people with migraine also had one or more instances of venous thrombosis, or 19 percent. In comparison, 35 people without migraine had the condition, or 8 percent. On the other hand, migraine was not linked with atherosclerosis.

“The thinking has been that because people with migraine are more likely to have strokes and other cardiovascular problems, that they would also have more severe and early atherosclerosis,” comments study author Stefan Kiechl, MD. “This study is the first to use high-resolution ultrasound to examine this theory, and it provides solid evidence to refute it.”

Neurology – September 2008;71:937-43.

www.neurology.org