Is there an increased stroke risk associated with migraines with aura?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Migraines with aura are linked to a slightly increased risk of stroke, according to research. However, the overall stroke risk remains low for most people who experience migraine with aura.

How to reduce your stroke risk:

Get regular physical activity
Avoid tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke
See a healthcare provider routinely to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels

If you experience migraines with aura or are concerned about stroke risk factors, understanding your symptoms is the first step toward peace of mind and proper care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and get personalized guidance on your next steps—no appointment or sign-up required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Yes, some research has shown that there is a slightly increased risk of stroke for people who experience migraines with aura, but the risk of stroke is still low among all people with experience migraines with aura. The exact reason for this risk is not fully understood, but one possible theory is that it may involve changes in blood flow.

The risk of stroke is much higher among people who smoke tobacco, including people who have been diagnosed with migraines with aura and also choose to smoke tobacco.

There are many ways you can reduce their risk of stroke, including getting regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco smoke, and regularly seeing a healthcare provider to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar level. If you're experiencing symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing them, try our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights. If you have migraines with aura and/or questions about migraines and stroke, talk to your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

(References)

Nathan N, Ngo A, & Khoromi S. (2024). Migraine and Stroke: A Scoping Review. Journal of clinical medicine, 39336867.
Øie LR, Kurth T, Gulati S, & Dodick DW. (2020). Migraine and risk of stroke. Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, 32217787.
Yemisci M, & Eikermann-Haerter K. (2019). Aura and Stroke: relationship and what we have learnt from .... The journal of headache and pain, 31142262.

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