PFO-Patent Foramen Ovale is a small hole between the upper two chambers of the heart. Everyone is born with this but it closes in most between 1 year and 18 months. 15-25% of the population have PFO-where the hole does not close itself-Research Studies have been done, and are still being done...but have found that people who had Strokes were having their PFO's closed to prevent recurring strokes, but in the process have reduced or completely elminiated their migraines.
Some statistics and facts I've read:
approx 50% of people who have migraine with aura have PFO
After an average of 33 weeks of follow-up, 58.7% of the 46 patients reported complete migraine relief, and another 13.0% reported significant relief. In patients with aura, 73.5% of 34 patients who had successful closure of the heart defect later said they were free of migraine attacks.
Because patients had no expectations of migraine relief prior to or following patent foramen ovale closure, the possibility of a placebo effect is unlikely."
I am enrolled in a research study and will find out on March 16th whether I have PFO and if so, what the next step will be. I will keep you all posted. Sorry I have been scarce...the migraine monster is on full time right now.
Sara
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