Finnish researchers are once again at the forefront of migraine research. A study led by Professor Aarno Palotie reveals that migraine is caused by the combined effect of multiple genes – not just a single genetic defect. The research provides new insight into why migraine often runs in families and why symptoms can vary greatly.
Research background
The study Common Variant Burden Contributes to the Familial Aggregation of Migraine in 1,589 Families analyzed 1,589 Finnish families and compared their genetic profiles with population-based controls. The results highlight a broad genetic background and the combined effect of multiple genetic variations.
Polygenic risk burden explains family concentration
The inheritance of migraine is significantly explained by the polygenic risk score (PRS), which describes the combined effect of multiple genetic variants.
The PRS burden in familial migraine was 1.76 , while in population-based cases it was 1.32 . This means that migraine is not usually transmitted through a single gene, but through the combined effect of several genes.
Genetic differences between different subtypes of migraine
The study showed that the genetic load is highest in migraine with paralytic symptoms (1.96) and lowest in migraine without aura .
Interestingly, “typical aura without headache” did not differ from genetically healthy controls, suggesting that asymptomatic aura is a distinct phenomenon within migraine.
What does research say about heredity?
Migraine onset is more common in individuals with a higher genetic load, and higher PRS scores were observed in patients taking more potent medications (e.g. triptans).
Research confirms that migraine is often inherited in a multi-gene manner – not just through a single genetic defect.
Conclusions
Migraine is inherited through the combined effects of several genetic changes. This explains why migraines often run in families, but the symptoms and severity can vary from person to person.
Polygenic risk is a significant explanatory factor for the occurrence of migraine in families.
Markku Nissilä, neurology specialist
Frequently asked questions
Can migraines be passed down from parents to children?
Yes. Studies show that the genetic risk of migraine is passed from parents to children through multiple gene changes, not a single gene.
Why do migraines run in certain families?
A higher polygenic risk score has been found in familial migraine, which means that multiple genes contribute to the onset of migraine.
Is there a “migraine gene”?
Not just one. Migraine is caused by the simultaneous action of several genes, some of which are related to nervous system function and blood vessel regulation.
Can a genetic test tell you your migraine risk?
Currently, no single genetic test can reliably predict migraine risk because it is a multi-genetic phenomenon. However, research is progressing rapidly.
Source
Palotie A. et al. Common Variant Burden Contributes to the Familial Aggregation of Migraine in 1,589 Families.
Neuron (2018)