Two Patients with Migraine and Parkinsonism: A Possible Relationship?

Migraine is linked to an increased occurrence of neurological movement disorders including Parkinsonism. We describe two women with chronic, severe migraine with aura who later in life developed Parkinsonism. In both cases, brain neuroimaging showed sub cortical micro vascular changes characteristic of migraine. Notably, both cases also have family histories of migraine and Parkinsonism, suggesting a genetic contribution. Chronic migraine may promote Parkinsonism by vascular mechanisms, though abnormalities in dopamine neurotransmission and brain iron deposition may also play a role. Longstanding and severe migraine with aura may be a factor in the development of Parkinsonism, particularly in women.