[A case of multiple cerebrovascular and migraine episodes caused by the use of oral contraceptives].

The Authors report the case of a 32-years-old woman taking oral contraceptives for twelve years, who developed multi-infarct dementia and motor-sensory signs as a consequence of repeated cerebrovascular episodes associated with migraine-like attacks. Neuroradiological findings suggested vascular pathologic changes. Mechanisms of cerebro-vascular diseases related to oral contraception are discussed, especially emphasizing the possibility of intrinsic vascular lesions caused by exogenous steroid stimulation. Epidemiologic and pathophysiological relationship between migraine, stroke and oral contraception are also pointed out.The authors report the case of a 32 year old woman taking oral contraceptives (OCs) for 12 years, who developed multi-infart dementia and motor-sensory signs as a consequence of repeated cerebrovascular episodes associated with migraine-like attacks. Neuroradiological findings suggested vascular pathological changes. Mechanisms of cerebrovascular diseases related to OCs are discussed, especially emphasizing the possibility of intrinsic vascular lesions caused by exogenous steroid stimulation. Epidemiologic and pathophysiological relationships between migraine, stroke, and OCs are also pointed out. (author's)