Advertisement
Your genes may offer some insight when learning about your migraine symptoms
After mentioning your migraine to your aunt, they mention that your grandmother used to experience them, too.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
If you’ve gone to see a doctor for migraines, they may have even asked you if someone in your family has also dealt with migraine headaches.
Is it a coincidence? Or could there be a familial link between migraines?
Turns out, our genes may have some input on whether or not we experience this condition.
Julia Bucklan, DO, explains how genetics play a role in migraine diagnosis and treatment.
Migraines — and their overall cause — are a tough nut to crack. This is because they’re caused by a combination of environmental, medical and genetic factors. So, it can be hard to pin down when your migraines are coming from the stressors around you or if they’re something that’s been passed down to you through genetics.
Here’s what the numbers tell us: Migraines tend to run in families. So, if at least one of your biological parents experienced migraines, there’s a 50% to 75% chance that you will also.
But migraines are a culmination of many factors, both genetic and environmental. “So, there is no one gene that dictates whether a person will develop migraines,” says Dr. Bucklan.
“However, there are known genes that promote the development of migraine,” she continues. These identified genes increase the likelihood of something called cortical spreading depression, which is a change in brain activity that manifests as different neurological disorders, such as migraines.
Advertisement
So, in short, yes — migraines can be hereditary. And several genes have been identified that may be involved in the development of migraines (more on that in a moment).
But it’s important to know that it takes more than just one mutated gene for you to be more susceptible to migraines. Rather, it’s a combination of different genes coming together. And having these certain genes doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have migraines either.
So, how do your genes affect whether you experience migraines? A gene stores information from your DNA on how to make proteins in your body.
When a gene changes or becomes mutated, a “miscommunication” happens and can cause someone to become predisposed to certain health issues — this can manifest differently depending on the gene. Then, it’s possible for this gene to get passed down to that person’s children.
“I always explain migraines as an electrical storm, with activation of various receptors and the opening of certain ion channels that cause the symptoms of migraine,” illustrates Dr. Bucklan. “And so these gene mutations can make you more susceptible to migraines, but they aren’t something we can actually test clinically.”
But it’s important to know that our genetics is only one factor in the development of migraines, and other factors such as environmental triggers and lifestyle factors also play a role.
From chronic migraines to episodic migraines to migraines with auras, you may be wondering if certain types of migraines have more of a genetic link.
“The genes that people talk about more are those associated with hemiplegic migraine,” notes Dr. Bucklan.
The ATP1A2, CACNA1A and SCN1A genes are three of the common genes associated with this subtype of migraine, known as familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM). FHM is a rare form of migraine characterized by temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegia) during or before the headache phase.
Here’s what we know about these genes so far:
Advertisement
But this doesn’t mean that only familial hemiplegic migraines have a genetic association — it just means that this is the one that has been studied and understood the most.
It’s also worth noting again that even if migraines do run in your family, not all members may be affected, and the severity and frequency of migraines can vary widely from person to person.
So, why is it important to consider genetics when treating your migraine?
According to Dr. Bucklan, this information is helpful when making a diagnosis. And as we continue to learn more, genetics may be valuable when developing more treatment and management options for migraines.
“We haven’t really mapped out all of the genes involved in migraine, and there’s still just so much to learn,” she explains. “But the hope is that as we learn more, it can help guide our treatment strategies for migraine. Right now, we certainly use evidence-based medicine, but it’s more broad and generalized. Our hope is for one day to narrow it down and figure out how each individual person responds to different treatments.”
Knowing your genetics can potentially help you manage your migraines in several ways:
Advertisement
As always, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider who’s experienced in treating migraines and can help interpret the results of any genetic testing and develop an individualized treatment plan.
If you have a family history of migraines, you might be wondering if it’s in your genes for you to have migraines as well. But at this time, there isn’t a specific medical test or diagnostic tool to actually determine whether migraines are hereditary.
If you’re experiencing migraines and have a family history of migraines, it’s important to discuss this with a healthcare provider. They may ask you questions about your family history of migraines and other medical conditions, as well as perform a physical exam and possibly order diagnostic tests to rule out other underlying conditions that may be causing your headaches.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Performance anxiety and stage fright are outsized stress responses that can creep up when you’re put on the spot
Healthy habits and a comfortable daily routine may make your TD symptoms more manageable
In response to stress or danger, your brain responds by either defending itself, running away, stopping or reconciling
A variety of healthy foods can help reduce inflammation and keep other conditions at bay
Some ‘flare-ups’ are temporary and expected, others can signal a need to change therapies
Our collective misremembering of events comes from a surplus of false memories
Most routine vaccines are safe for people living with multiple sclerosis — but be sure to talk with your care team about your needs
This alternative brain-body therapy focuses on unlocking pent-up feelings, memories and tension that may be stuck in your brain and body
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims