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Minor head trauma-induced sporadic hemiplegic migraine coma
Robert P Curtain1, Robert L Smith, Mick Ovcaric
1Genomics Research Centre, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Pediatric Neurology
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Familial hemiplegic migraine, a rare subtype, involves mutations in the calcium channel gene. A specific mutation (Serine-218-Leucine) is linked to migraine coma after minor head trauma.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a rare, severe subtype of migraine.
- Genetic mutations, particularly on chromosome 19p13 in the alpha-1A subunit gene of the voltage-dependent P/Q type calcium channel, are associated with FHM.
Observation:
- A specific mutation, Serine-218-Leucine, in exon 5 of this gene has been linked to a severe syndrome known as "migraine coma."
- In FHM patients, minor head trauma can precipitate severe cerebral edema and coma following a lucid interval.
- Sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM) presents similarly and exhibits genetic heterogeneity.
Findings:
- This case report implicates the Serine-218-Leucine mutation in the rare disorder of minor head trauma-induced migraine coma.
- The Serine-218-Leucine mutation is implicated in SHM, delayed cerebral edema, and coma after minor head trauma.
Implications:
- This finding deepens the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of severe migraine subtypes and associated neurological complications.
- Identifies a specific genetic marker for predicting severe outcomes after minor head trauma in susceptible individuals.
- Highlights the crucial role of the alpha-1A subunit gene in migraine pathophysiology and neurological response to head injury.
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