[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.