The purpose of this study is to compare the rates of aspirin resistance (high residual
platelet reactivity) between women with episodic and chronic migraine and women without
migraine.
Emerging evidence suggests that migraineurs, especially women < 45 years who have aura, have
an increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack). The mechanism
linking migraine, stroke and MI is unclear although increased platelet activation and
aggregation observed during and between migraine attacks may be a plausible theory.
Aspirin is an inexpensive, relatively safe antiplatelet drug that reduces the risk of stroke
and MI. Preliminary data suggest that aspirin's (325mg) therapeutic effect on platelet
inhibition may be reduced in migraineurs (i.e., aspirin resistance), thus limiting aspirin's
effectiveness at preventing stroke and MI risks in persons with migraine. Additional research
is warranted to confirm these findings in migraineurs because daily, low-dose aspirin 81 mg
is the recommended first line therapy for primary and secondary prevention of stroke and MI
The researchers hypothesize that resistance to aspirin 81mg may occur more frequently in
women with episodic and chronic migraine than in women without migraine. The findings may
have important implications for women who have migraine and use aspirin to prevent migraine
symptoms or comorbidities associated with migraine including stroke and MI.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Swedish Medical Center
Collaborators:
Accumetrics, Inc. National Headache Foundation University of Washington Wadsworth Foundation