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Migraine and heredity
1Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Pathologie-Biologie
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Migraine inheritance is complex, not a single-gene trait. Genetic predisposition to headaches, not migraine itself, is likely inherited, as shown by induced headaches in those with a family history.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
Background:
- Migraine has long been considered an inherited condition.
- Previous studies on family history and twin concordance lack scientific rigor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the genetic basis of migraine inheritance.
- To differentiate between inherited predisposition and direct inheritance of migraine.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on migraine genetics.
- Analysis of twin studies and familial inheritance patterns.
- Examination of induced headache models in subjects with family history.
Main Results:
- Migraine does not meet criteria for single-gene or typical polygenic inheritance.
- Familial hemiplegic migraine and MELAS are exceptions with strong genetic links.
- A genetic predisposition to headaches, rather than migraine itself, is suggested.
Conclusions:
- Migraine inheritance is complex and not explained by simple genetic models.
- Genetic predisposition to headaches may be inherited, influencing migraine susceptibility.