Migraine: More Genetic Clues

New research this month has found specific genetic variants associated with migraine.  The research builds on earlier research that we’ve talked about before (see Found: Genetic Link to “Basic” Migraine).

The research was led by Dr. Markus Shürks, who received a grant from the Migraine Research Foundation.  The study involved 5,122 migraineurs and 18,108 non-migraineurs.

The research found single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three different genes, which each alter the risk of migraine by 10-15%.  No, we’re not talking about finding the one single "migraine gene" – this is a complex web of relationships that is being researched.

It is hoped that this research will lead to better treatments of migraine.  For example, if we know that a certain variation is causing bad messages to be sent to the brain, we could block those messages.

There’s also an interesting side note in the study related to women and migraine.  We’ll talk about that next week.

Read a good summary of the study at the Migraine Association of Ireland: NEW: Three gene variants linked to migraine attacks