Hypertension and Vascular Accidents During Bouts of Migraine

Abstract

This is an account of an unusual case of intermittent hypertension associated with migraine. The family history suggests an inherited hypertensive tendency. Headaches began when the patient was 18. When she was about 31, abdominal crises initialed by a girdle sensation began. Bouts became more frequent at about age 46, when elevation of blood pressure during an attack was first noted. At age 49 she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, which was preceded by severe headache. Phenobarbital was effective in preventing the attacks. The patient is now asymptomatic and normotensive.