Aspirin Resistance in Women With Migraine

The purpose of this study is to compare the rates of aspirin resistance (high residual platelet reactivity) between women with episodic and chronic migraine and women without migraine. Emerging evidence suggests that migraineurs, especially women \< 45 years who have aura, have an increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack). The mechanism linking migraine, stroke and MI is unclear although increased platelet activation and aggregation observed during and between migraine attacks may be a plausible theory. Aspirin is an inexpensive, relatively safe antiplatelet drug that reduces the risk of stroke and MI. Preliminary data suggest that aspirin's (325mg) therapeutic effect on platelet inhibition may be reduced in migraineurs (i.e., aspirin resistance), thus limiting aspirin's effectiveness at preventing stroke and MI risks in persons with migraine. Additional research is warranted to confirm these findings in migraineurs because daily, low-dose aspirin 81 mg is the recommended first line therapy for primary and secondary prevention of stroke and MI The researchers hypothesize that resistance to aspirin 81mg may occur more frequently in women with episodic and chronic migraine than in women without migraine. The findings may have important implications for women who have migraine and use aspirin to prevent migraine symptoms or comorbidities associated with migraine including stroke and MI.