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The genetics of chronic headaches
P Montagna1, S Cevoli, N Marzocchi
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna Medical School, Via U. Foscolo 7, I-40123 Bologna, Italy.
Summary
Chronic daily headaches (CDH) show genetic links similar to substance abuse disorders. Dopamine-related genes are implicated in CDH, especially with analgesic abuse, suggesting a significant genetic predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Chronic daily headaches (CDH) share similarities with substance abuse disorders.
- Genetic liability loci are implicated in substance abuse.
- A significant genetic predisposition for CDH is suggested by family studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the metabolic and genetic aspects of chronic daily headaches.
- To explore the genetic underpinnings of CDH, particularly in relation to substance abuse.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of papers on metabolic and genetic aspects of CDH.
- Analysis of genetic associations with CDH and co-morbidities.
Main Results:
- First-degree relatives of CDH patients have a 2.1- to 3.9-fold increased risk.
- Genetic variations in dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) linked to migraine with aura, depression, and anxiety.
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) allele D associated with increased migraine without aura frequency.
- Analgesic abuse in CDH significantly associated with polymorphisms in DRD4 and dopamine transporter (DAT) genes.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine-related genes are implicated in CDH, particularly in cases involving drug abuse.
- CDH possesses a substantial genetic predisposition.
- Current molecular genetic studies on CDH are preliminary.