Faulty gene behind migraine ‘identified’

In fact,the scientists have based their findings on an analysis of DNA samples taken from migraines sufferers as well as their family members.

Lead scientist Dr Zameel Cader said: “We have now made a major step forward in our understanding of why people suffer with migraine and how in certain cases,your family can literally give you a headache.

“Previous studies have identified parts of our DNA that increase the risk in the general population but have not found genes which can be directly responsible for common migraine. What we’ve found is that migraines seem to depend on how sensitive our nerves are in the pain centres of the brain.

“This finding should help lead to the key player which controls this excitability and will give us a real opportunity to find a new way to fight migraines and improve the quality of life for those suffering.”

The World Health Organisation rates migraine as a leading cause of disability worldwide and it is estimated to be the most costly neurological disorder in Europe.

The study,published in ‘Nature Medicine’,was funded by the Medical Research Council,Genome Canada,Genome Quebec,Emerillon Therapeutics,the Wellcome Trust and pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.