Six cases of brain infarction in young women associated with the use of oral contraceptives are reported, 5 having occurred within 1 year. Other factors known to cause strokes in this age group were absent. Stroke risk in persons using oral contraceptives appears to be enhanced, especially in the presence of vascular disease, hypertension, or migraine. The indications for using oral contraceptives should be carefully weighed in each case, and consideration should be given to the possibility of serious side effects.