Is migraine hereditary? This is what science says about it

If you’ve been to the doctor for migraines, chances are he or she asked you if anyone in your family also had migraines. Is it a coincidence or is there a link between genes and migraines?

What is a migraine?

Back to the beginning. What exactly is a migraine? It’s a severe headache deep in your head. The pain can last for several days, and it often restricts you in your daily life. Many people can only lie in bed in a darkened bedroom. The pain is characterized by a throbbing pain. Sometimes people feel nauseous and vomit.

Migraine is not just a headache, it is much more than that.

Migraine risk factors

Research shows that our genes can actually have some influence on whether or not we experience this condition. However, the incidence of migraine has to do with various factors. Pain is generally caused by a combination of environmental, medical, and genetic factors. Women also suffer from migraines more often than men.

Gene issue

This doesn’t change the fact that migraines often run in families. Therefore, if at least one of your biological parents suffers from migraine, there is a 50% to 75% chance that you will also suffer from this. But… there is no single gene that determines whether a person has migraines. However, there are genes that promote the onset of migraine. These specific genes therefore increase the chance of a change in brain activity, which can be seen in many neurological disorders, such as migraine.

Is migraine hereditary or not?

So yes, migraines can be hereditary. But it’s a little more complicated than you might think. For example, it takes more than one mutated gene to be more prone to migraines. Here’s how: A gene stores information from your DNA. When this gene changes or becomes mutated, a kind of “miscommunication” occurs and you can become more susceptible to certain health problems. But this is especially so if there are many misunderstandings in your genes that reinforce each other. Do you still get it?

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Either way, it’s important to know that our genetics are only one factor in the development of migraines. Other factors such as environmental and lifestyle factors also play a role. For example, stress appears to be a big trigger, as does too much or too little sleep, light, hormones, caffeine and alcohol, and dehydration.

Have you been looking pale lately, do you regularly have severe headaches or heart palpitations? This could indicate an iron deficiency. Dr. Rutger tells us more about it:

source: Cleveland Health