A Case Report of Migraine With Hypoplasia of the Internal Carotid Artery

Abstract

Migraine, a widespread and incapacitating neurological disorder, affects numerous individuals worldwide, causing severe headaches and impairing their quality of life. The interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurovascular factors underlies the pathophysiology of migraine. This report highlights the case of a 25-year-old woman with recurrent, severe headaches, predominantly in the right frontal and temporal regions. She was diagnosed with migraine with aura, a diagnosis supported by her family history. No previous history of seizures was reported. A comprehensive work-up, including neuroimaging, revealed left internal carotid artery hypoplasia with compensatory collateral circulation. The coexistence of severe migraines and left internal carotid artery hypoplasia underscores the complex interrelationship between cerebrovascular anomalies and neurological symptoms. The rarity of this vascular variation emphasizes the need for attentive clinical evaluation and consideration of anatomical deviations in migraine patients. As medical knowledge progresses, further research is essential to unravel the mechanisms connecting vascular anomalies and neurological disorders, ultimately leading to personalized interventions for improved patient outcomes.