People who suffer from migraines have a raised risk of lesions and abnormalities in the brain compared with those without the disorder, the meta-analysis found.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark examined data from 13 studies that investigated links between migraine and changes in brain structure.
Compared with people without the disorder, the risk of white matter lesions rose by 68% in people who had migraine with aura, and by 34% in those who had migraine with no aura.
Researchers saw similar increases in the risks of infarct-like abnormalities and changes in brain volume.
Study author Messoud Ashina PhD from the University of Copenhagen said: ‘Our review and meta-analysis study suggests that the disorder may permanently alter brain structure in multiple ways.’
