Migraine-Like Headache with Aura Induced by a Small Infarct in the Parieto-Occipital Cortex: A Case Report

Abstract

A 56-year-old right-handed man was referred to our hospital for evaluation of sudden-onset transient quadrantanopia, which was followed by throbbing headache consistent with migraine with aura (MA). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right parieto-occipital cortex on admission showed a hyperintense region on diffusion-weighted imaging, which disappeared 7 days later. A small cortical infarct in the parieto-occipital cortex can cause MA-like headache, and the present infarct lesion was only detectable on MRI during the acute phase. Performing MRI for patients with suspected acute MA might help identify the cause of MA-like headache and ensure appropriate management of patients.