Risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke following migraine: A nationwide retrospective cohort study in South Korea

Authors

  • Chaeyoon Kang Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
  • Yejin Lee Dongguk University College of Medicine
  • Haerim Cho Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
  • Seung Won Lee Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
  • Seoyeon Kim Department of Statistics, Sungshin Women’s University
  • Hohyun Jung Department of Statistics, Sungshin Women’s University
  • Youngoh Bae Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54029/2026jvc

Keywords:

migraine disorders, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, cohort studies, South Korea

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the association between migraine and the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS).

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and included 13,379 individuals with migraine and 66,895 propensity score–matched controls. The primary outcome was the incidence of IS, and the secondary outcome was HS. Time-stratified Cox proportional hazards models were employed for analysis.

Results: Migraine was associated with an increased risk of IS (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62–1.95) and HS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.35–2.18). The risk of IS peaked within the first two years following migraine diagnosis and remained elevated for up to eight years.

Conclusion: Migraine is independently associated with an increased long-term risk of both IS and HS, particularly among younger individuals and males, underscoring the need for targeted cerebrovascular surveillance.

Published

2026-06-07

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Original Article