[A case of multiple cerebrovascular and migraine episodes caused by the use of oral contraceptives]. / Osservazioni su un caso di episodi cerebrovascolari multipli ed emicranici da uso di contraccettivi orali.

ABSTRACT

PIP: The authors report the case of a 32 year old woman taking oral contraceptives (OCs) for 12 years, who developed multi-infart dementia and motor-sensory signs as a consequence of repeated cerebrovascular episodes associated with migraine-like attacks. Neuroradiological findings suggested vascular pathological changes. Mechanisms of cerebrovascular diseases related to OCs are discussed, especially emphasizing the possibility of intrinsic vascular lesions caused by exogenous steroid stimulation. Epidemiologic and pathophysiological relationships between migraine, stroke, and OCs are also pointed out. (author's)