Possible link between migraines in children and heart defects found

A new study has discovered a potential link between certain types of migraine experienced by children and a common heart defect.

Scientists at the Primary Children's Medical Center and the University of Utah have suggested that youngsters affected by migraines with aura may be more at risk of having a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a defect in the wall between the chambers of the heart.

Research published in the Journal of Pediatrics showed that in a small-scale study, those complaining of migraines with aura – meaning a collection of additional symptoms such as weakness and blind spots – were twice as likely to have a PFO as an average child.

This tallies with previous studies among adults and could allow migraines to be treated via catheter-based PFO closure operations should a causal link be proven.

Study leader Dr Rachel McCandless said: "Our study will help guide future research about this difficult problem."

The British Heart Foundation has since stated that this data confirms what was already known about the link between PFO and migraines, adding that improved knowledge of this relationship could help to improve patient care.