Haven't had an occular migraine in over a year, is birth control ok?
In March of 2007 I had an occular migraine. The doctor sent me for an MRI but everything came back normal. He also told me not to go on birth control because of an increased chance of stroke. I get the occasional headaches, but nothing like what I had then. Would it be safe to go on birth control?
Hi Amie917
No one but you and your doctor can make that decision, I'm sorry to say. There are some things to consider when talking about birth control and stroke risk. Are you in a high risk group? Do you smoke? What other risk factors do you have for stroke, if any?
Gene Linked To Migraine and Increased Stroke Risk has new information that was released this August and carries good news and bad. Researchers have identified a gene that may lessen the chance of Migraine with aura for women, but for women who have Migraine with, aura their chance of stroke is increased.
On the topic of ocular Migraine, here's the deal: there is no such thing as "occular Migraine" according to the International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (ICHD-II). Rather, Migraine with aura, Migraine without aura or Retinal Migraine are the medically recognized diagnosis. Click on the blue print for more information: Ocular, Optical, and Ophthalmic Migraines.
I don't mean to make your decision harder, just an informed patient.
Good luck
Nancy
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