Migraine headaches and preeclampsia: an epidemiologic review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and evaluate available empirical research on the relationship between migraines and gestational hypertension or preeclampsia and to provide direction for future research in this area.

BACKGROUND: Migraines affect a substantial proportion of reproductive-aged women and have been associated with cardiovascular risk factors and ischemic disease in this population. Preeclampsia is a vascular disorder of pregnancy, also linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS: Publications were identified by a MEDLINE search using keywords "migraine,""preeclampsia," and "gestational hypertension," and by examination of the reference lists of identified articles.

RESULTS: The literature review yielded 10 studies addressing the association between migraines and preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Of the 10 studies, 8 reported a positive association between the syndromes.

CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence suggests that migraines and preeclampsia may reflect an underlying predisposition toward ischemic injury. More rigorous epidemiologic research is warranted, after consideration of several important methodologic issues.