How to determine if migraines are caused by patent foramen ovale
Paroxysmal headache should be referred to as migraine. Patients can generally determine whether their migraines are caused by patent foramen ovale (PFO) through clinical symptoms, transesophageal echocardiography, right heart catheterization, and other examinations. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Clinical Symptoms
Migraines caused by PFO may present as persistent, non-fixed throbbing headaches affecting one or both sides of the head. These may also be accompanied by unexplained stroke symptoms such as hemiplegia and aphasia. In some cases, patients may experience syncope, sleep apnea, or dyspnea when lying flat.
2. Transesophageal Echocardiography
Transesophageal echocardiography is a semi-invasive procedure and is considered the gold standard and first-choice method for diagnosing PFO. It helps determine whether migraines are related to PFO and also guides clinical classification and treatment planning.
3. Right Heart Catheterization
Right heart catheterization allows direct passage from the right atrium to the left atrium through the patent foramen ovale, thereby confirming the presence of PFO and effectively determining whether the migraine is caused by this condition.
In addition, other diagnostic methods such as contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler ultrasound with bubble study, multidetector spiral computed tomography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging may also be used. If PFO is confirmed as the cause, patients should, under medical guidance, use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen tablets or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets to relieve pain. When necessary, closure of the patent foramen ovale via surgical or percutaneous procedures may be considered to improve the condition.