The genetics of migraine

Hemiplegic migraine is a rare subtype of migraine with aura, characterised by episodes of severe migraine, along with motor weakness or numbness usually affecting one side of the body (hemiparesis).^{[Pelzer et al., 2013]} Visual, sensory, or speech disturbances may also be present.^{[Pelzer et al., 2013]} Although three genes are known to cause hemiplegic migraine, listed on slide, many other genes may be involved.^{[Pelzer et al., 2013]}

There have been many attempts to explore the genetics of migraine using GWAS, whereby the genetic makeup of many individuals with migraine is compared with that of many control individuals, looking for differences between the two groups.^{[Sutherland et al., 2019]} GWAS have so far identified, amongst others, genes involved in synapse and neural function, as well as genes involved in vascular function, which appear to be associated with migraine.^{[Sutherland et al., 2019]}

References:
Pelzer N, Stam AH, Haan J, et al. Familial and sporadic hemiplegic migraine: diagnosis and treatment. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2013; 15 (1): 13–27.

Sutherland HG, Albury CL, Griffiths LR. Advances in genetics of migraine. J Headache Pain 2019; 20 (1): 72.

Other references used on slide:
de Boer I, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, Terwindt GM. Advance in genetics of migraine. Curr Opin Neurol 2019; 32 (3): 413–421.

GeneCards website. https://www.genecards.org. Accessed Jan 2020.