SMALL holes in the heart may be to blame for the most severe migraines and
even some strokes, doctors in Britain have discovered. Repairing these holes can
stop or reduce the migraines.
Over a quarter of us have an opening in the wall separating the upper
chambers of the heart. This opening, known as a patent foramen ovale, is a relic
of our days in the womb, when it allows blood to bypass the lungs. It should
snap shut with a baby’s first breath, but it does not always close up
completely. Large holes can continue to allow small amounts…
