According to a report published by the British Medical Journal, women who suffer from migraine headaches and take birth control pills are at a higher risk of having a stroke than those who do not. These findings come after a review of 14 studies looking at the relationship between the two. This study also indicates that women who have adverse reactions to light during migraines are at an even higher risk.

Ali Samii of the University of Washington is quoted in the study and says, 'The results of our study strongly suggest that migraine may be an independent risk factor for stroke.'

In three of the studies, the findings reveal that women who use birth control pills and suffer from migraines can be up to eight times more likely to have a stroke than thos who do not use oral contraceptives. Researchers think that this increase in the risk factor is the result of a reduced flow of blood to the brain during a migraine headache. This results in an ischemic stroke; a blood clot that ultimately blocks an artery or blood vessel. Women who smoke while taking birth control pills are at an even higher risk of stroke.

It is not know how many women fall into this category, although millions of people suffer from migraines in one form or another.