Many people who suffer from migraines also have relatives who have them as well. There is an increased chance of developing migraines if you have them in your family history. There are specific genetic variants, or genetic mutations, which are inherited from your parents that lead to migraines. A person with one parent who has migraines has a 50% chance of inheriting the migraine trait. If both parents have migraines, there is a 75% chance that the person will inherit migraines. Genetics are thought to account for about 60% of the cause of migraines with environmental factors also being an influence. A study in 2018 found that there are 40 gene locations where mutations are related to migraine development. There are also certain migraine traits that are linked to family history of migraines, including increased frequency of migraines, migraines starting in childhood, migraines with aura, and migraines requiring medication over a long period of time.
In addition, there are also certain types of migraine that are genetically linked including familial hemiplegic migraine.
If you have questions about migraines and genetics, speak with one our caring providers at The Manhattan Center for Headache & Neurology.
By: Booke Steiger, FNP