Increased Familial Risk and Evidence of Genetic Factor in Migraine

Background: Migraine is 7th Disabler according to the World Health Organization’s recent Global Burden of Disease report, due to it’s a wide range of complications and comorbidities. In addition, to the fact that it runs in families. So, our study was designed to determine genetic evidence of migraine through family history method, detect depression in migraine through HDRS, assess any cognitive changes in migraine through CASI and Event-Related Potential, detect any abnormalities in EEG and Neurological Soft Signs. Since these factors are the main causes of disability over time, they should be carefully assessed.

Methods: The sample included 80 study participants,50 cases, and 30 control, identified in hospital-based Study recruited from Neurology Outpatient Clinic, Assiut University Hospital. Migraine was ascertained by direct clinical interview using ICHD-III criteria for Migraine. A structured history of headache was also collected from patients regarding their relatives.

Results: Positive family history of migraine in 58% of migraineurs of which more than half is of 1st-degree relatives. Depression found in 82% of migraineurs and it’s severity increased with an increasing disability experienced by migraine patients and EEG changes in migraine.

Conclusion: There were strong genetic bases of migraine, high comorbidity of depression with migraine. We should take potential steps to prevent this disability through early detection and management.

Keywords: Migraine; Family history; Risk factors; Depression