Migraines and Heart Defects

May 7, 2007 -- The heart & brain may be connected in an unexpected way. And researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital are seeking volunteers to help them study the connection.

Headache specialist Dr. Stephen Silberstein, and cardiologist Dr. David Fischman are studying whether a small heart defect could be the cause of some peoples' migraines.

The defect, called a P-F-O (patent formen ovale), is a small hole between the upper chambers.

Doctors suspect something in the blood - such as chemicals or microscopic clots, gets through that hole and triggers the headaches.

The potential link was found by accident.

Dr. Silberstein recalls, "A number of people have discovered that when the PFO's are closed for another indication, the migraines go away."

Dr. Fischman adds, "The thought is that if you can close the opening, the gap, you may prevent the clots on the chemicals in the blood getting over to the wrong side of the body."

Now, the nationwide study hopes to prove the connection.

Doctors already know that strokes are sometimes triggered when blood clots passing through the PFO travel to the brain.

Migraine patients with PFO's who go into the study will have the chance to have the defect closed with a small device called an Amplatzer.

It has 2 umbrella-like shields - 1 is placed on each side of the hole to seal it off.

Dr Fischman, says, "It's a procedure that takes about half an hour, and is done under local anesthesia. The preparation for the procedure probably takes longer."

You are eligible if you are between 18 & 55 years of age, have migraine headaches with or without aura, are unable to control migraines with medications.

You can get more information by calling 215-955-2037.

(Copyright 2007 by Action News and 6abc. All Rights Reserved.)

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