New Insight Into Migraine Risk
Reported December 23, 2008
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — A new study suggests both genetic and hormonal factors influence a person’s risk of developing migraines with aura.
Researchers looked at the expression of two mutations that lead to familial hemiplegic migraine, an inherited form of severe migraine, in mice. They found the mutation linked to the more severe form of the migraine increased the risk of spreading depression more than the other mutation.
In addition, female mice were found to be more susceptible to the depression than male mice, but when their ovaries were removed and partially replaced by estrogen, the reverse was true.
Past research has already pointed to a link between migraines and depression, and it’s well known that migraines are more prevalent among women.
SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2008
