Barcelona researchers find over 40 migraine-related genes

As reported in the magazine Nature Genetics, the group studied 56,674 patients who suffer from regular migraines and a wider sample of 316,078 who did not, or only rarely.

For the first time ever, they found a genetic risk factor in the 'X' chromosome, which appears to tie in with the fact that more women than men suffer migraines.

To date, 13 genes have been found which may relate to the condition, but this further research has confirmed that 10 of these definitely contribute to what were once referred to as 'sick headaches' and added another 28 'possibles'.

Barcelona University's Biomedical Institute (IBUB) and the Rare Illnesses Network Biomedical Investigation Centre (CIBERER) in the capital of Catalunya found that each of the genes studied made a 'small and individual contribution' to the condition, but that combined, they played a 'very relevant role' in the development of migraines.

This may explain why migraines affect sufferers differently.

Professor Bru Cormand of the Paediatric Research Institute at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital said the great difference in methodology this time around was the size of the sample, with nearly 400,000 people of all ages and both sexes analysed, meaning patterns found were more reliable.

'Common condition' and third-highest cause of being off sick from work

Although some of the researchers were from an 'institute of rare illnesses', migraines are not very rare: they actually affect one in seven people worldwide.

Said to be the sixth-highest cause of temporary disability and third-highest cause of sickness-related absence from work, migraines come in many shapes and sizes and their triggers vary from person to person, but their main defining factor is a throbbing headache, normally in one temple and around the eye, sometimes extending further.

It generally causes nausea or, in very severe cases, vomiting, and is aggravated by any amount of light, noise, or use of vision – such as trying to read, use a computer or a phone, or even just opening the eyes – talking, or any activity whatsoever.

Confusion, delirium, disorientation, slurred speech, balance problems, lack of coordination and even a sensation of partial facial or bodily paralysis can ensue and, whilst they mostly pass in eight to 24 hours, some sufferers report spending three or four days in bed.

Strong painkillers sometimes relieve most of the headache, although many have side-effects including nausea, stomach acid and extreme tiredness.

Once the initial crisis passes, the sufferer can often still feel extremely tired for another day or two.

A migraine is generally thought to be caused by the veins in the tissue layers surrounding the brain contracting and then dilating, with the contraction causing a tension headache and early symptoms and the dilation leading to the throbbing.