Neurological Institute of the East Bay

A study of genetic data from over 50,000 people has revealed a genetic link to migraine, and is providing new information about the source of migraine and its treatment.

First of all, why are we even looking for genetic links?  Well, for some time now we’ve had a reasonably good theory that migraine is genetically-based.  Just a good guess?  No, research up to this point has given us good reason to suspect that genetics play a large role in migraine.

Genetics and Migraine: Why we know so little

Now genetic research is still relatively young.  We have a lot to learn.  So it will take time to learn how various genetic factors impact our health.

However, with migraine we got a head start.  Certain types of migraine have a strong relation to family ties, and have a strong genetic factor.  So these have been studied an unusual amount (read: familial hemiplegic migraine).  And as we’ve learnt how these genetic links work, we’ve come to believe that there are strong genetic links to other types of migraine as well.  And, in fact, we’ve found that many migraineurs have certain genetic abnormalities.

Dr. Sheena K. Aurora of the Swedish Headache Center in Seattle, USA, summarized some of the past research well in the book Menstrual Migraine:

There is an increasing body of evidence for the concept of central neuronal hyperexcitability as a pivotal physiological disturbance predisposing to migraine (Welch et al., 1990). The reasons for increased neuronal excitability are likely multifactoral, with an underlying genetic basis. Genetic studies have revealed an abnormality of calcium channels that has been introduced as a potential mechanism of interictal neuronal excitability (Ophoff et al., 1996)…

In other words, this is at least one way that a genetic factor seems to make the migraine brain different – more excitable.

The 2010 Migraine Genetics Study

The recently published study came from the International Headache Genetics Consortium, a cooperation of researchers from around the world.  The genetic profiles of thousands of people, both migraineurs, and non-migraineurs, were studied.  The chair of the consortium, Dr Aarno Palotie, says,"This is the first time we have been able to peer into the genomes of many thousands of people and find genetic clues to understand common migraine.  Studies of this kind are possible only through large-scale international collaboration — bringing together the wealth of data with the right expertise and resources — so that we could pick out this genetic variant.  This discovery opens new doors to understand common human diseases."

And the results?

Patients with a DNA variant on Chromosome 8 between two genes (PGCP and MTDH/AEG-1) have a significantly greater risk of developing migraine.  Why?  The link appears to relate to something called glutamate.

Glutamate is a common neurotransmitter – it transmits messages in the body.  In fact, it transmits pain signals.  This particular DNA variant regulates glutamate levels.  Is build-up of glutamate causing problems?  If so, could we create a targeted treatment to prevent it?

Actually, glutamate has already been the target of research into migraine treatment.  Take for example Tezampanel, and ADX10059.  Namenda (memantine) is an example of a treatment already being used for migraine, which deals with glutamate.

There is still a long way to go in these studies.  For one thing, it’s likely that more genetic factors will be found relating to migraine.  Also, even this link needs more study.  How common is it?  Does it really lie at the heart of migraine in general, or only more severe versions?  What about various types of chronic headache?

However, this is more evidence that we’ve come a long way in migraine research, and are getting a much better picture of what’s really going on in the body of a migraineur.

More on this study:  First Genetic Link to Common Migraine Exposed

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Found: Genetic Link to "Basic" Migraine

These other posts might relate:

• Migraine and Depression: Shared Genetics
• Familial Hemiplegic Migraine 1 – Not Always the Same
• ADX10059 – another Migraine Drug in the Pipeline

The dreaded ice cream headache.  It’s not something you want to get, but many of us have experienced it at one time or another.  In fact, migraineurs seem to get them more then most, and they can in fact trigger migraine attacks.

Ice cream headache or brain freeze even has a technical name – a long one at that:  Headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of a cold stimulus

But, irony of ironies, a few years ago I discovered something that did more to stop a migraine attack (for me) than many medications and treatments.  Simply: eating something very cold.

I mean, icy cold.

Now, you don’t want to chug it down like you’re in some kind of a competition.  And ice cream may not be the best… it can cause problems for some people.

But consider something like a smoothie, a frostie, a slurpee, a blizzard, whatever it may be – try it when the pain starts to get intense and see if it helps.  You might be surprised – it could slow down the chain reaction.  What can cause symptoms might just stop them or slow them once they’ve begun.

What is 1% Thursday?

Every Thursday at Headache and Migraine News (weather permitting) we’ll talk about one measurable, practical thing we can do to make our lives just 1% better.  Usually it will be something very easy, sometimes it will be a challenge.  Let us know if you try it, or share an idea of your own – and maybe a year from now we’ll see that things have really changed for the better!

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

1% Thursday: Ice Cream Anti-Headache?

These other posts might relate:

• 1% Thursday: Warm hands
• 1% Thursday: Magnesium
• 1% Thursday: Breath Deep

As one in six women and one in 12 men well know, a cure for migraines would mean relief from debilitating pain. In fact, the World Health Organization ranks migraines 19th among all causes of "years lived with disability."

That's why it's a big deal that an international team of researchers, having studied data from 50,000 people, identified a genetic risk factor associated with common migraines. The DNA variant in question affects the regulation of the neurotransmitter glutamate. It seems that its effect on the MTDH/AEG-1 gene thwarts the clearance of glutamate from the synapses, potentially resulting in a migraine-inducing neurotransmitter buildup.

Needless to say, these findings have the potential to affect migraine treatments down the line.

Study IDs Possible Genetic Link to Migraines originally appeared on About.com Headaches / Migraine on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 15:20:24.

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One type of medication that we haven’t discussed much is Zofran for migraine, or ondansetron.  It’s not that unusual for a doctor to prescribe it, and we’ll see why in a moment.

Zofran is a common brand name, but ondansetron is also sold as Emeset, Emetron, Ondavell and others.

Originally used for nausea after and operation or chemotherapy, ondansetron is now much more widely used.  When it comes to migraine, Zofran is commonly prescribed to fight nausea.

Zofran may be taken by adults and children both, so it may be useful for children who tend to experience a lot of vomiting and nausea with migraine.  It works quickly, and usually has very minimal side effects.  In fact, it will not cause drowsiness like many anti-nausea drugs will.

When you have migraine, particularly migraine with nausea, you want something that works fast.  That’s why the "dispersible" versions – which dissolve in your mouth – are so popular.  A generic version is available at Drugstore.com (8mg being the common dosage for adults).

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Zofran for Migraine (fight nausea)

These other posts might relate:

• 1% Thursday: Fun with Ginger
• Ginger for Mary Ann’s migraine
• Body weight and headache

One type of medication that we haven’t discussed much is Zofran for migraine, or ondansetron.  It’s not that unusual for a doctor to prescribe it, and we’ll see why in a moment.

Zofran is a common brand name, but ondansetron is also sold as Emeset, Emetron, Ondavell and others.

Originally used for nausea after and operation or chemotherapy, ondansetron is now much more widely used.  When it comes to migraine, Zofran is commonly prescribed to fight nausea.

Zofran may be taken by adults and children both, so it may be useful for children who tend to experience a lot of vomiting and nausea with migraine.  It works quickly, and usually has very minimal side effects.  In fact, it will not cause drowsiness like many anti-nausea drugs will.

When you have migraine, particularly migraine with nausea, you want something that works fast.  That’s why the "dispersible" versions – which dissolve in your mouth – are so popular.  A generic version is available at Drugstore.com (8mg being the common dosage for adults).

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Zofran for Migraine (fight nausea)

These other posts might relate:

• 1% Thursday: Fun with Ginger
• Ginger for Mary Ann’s migraine
• Body weight and headache

We’ve talked before about the benefits of fish oil.  Omega-3 fatty acid is popular enough today that there are a lot of brands out there.  But sometimes I’ve found it hard to find something that’s good quality.

For example, some have low amounts of EPA and DHA (two key ingredients in fish oil).  Others don’t list the source of the oil (just where did this come from??).  Others are packed with impurities.  Some have a strong fishy flavour and smell, and cause fishy burps long after you’ve taken them.

A while ago I was reading about a new fish oil supplement that looks quite promising.  I didn’t have time to follow it up, but when I noticed a sale on this brand at vitacost.com, I thought it would be worth mentioning to you.

i-omega premium fish oil is a concentrated and purified fish oil.  Because it packs such a punch, it’s a smaller capsule, making it easier to swallow.  Two small softgels contain 528mg of EPA and 278mg of DHA – a total of 806mg.  Three capsules would give you 1209mg, a common dosage for migrainuers.  The odour is minimal or non-existent.  It even contains an anti-oxidant blend.

I will be trying i-omega premium fish oil, and I’ll let you know how it goes.  But I wanted to mention it to you while the sale is still on.

Take a closer look at i-omega premium fish oil here.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

A better Fish Oil for Migraine?

These other posts might relate:

• Omega 3 and Migraine
• Omega 3 for Migraine and headache
• Coca-Cola and Migraine

"I’ve tried everything!"

No, actually, you haven’t.

All right, I understand the frustration of those who have tried one thing after another for years with no relief.  Many of you have even been told by a doctor that there’s nothing left to try.  But the truth is, you would have to live a very very long time indeed to really try everything for migraine or chronic headache.

The list gets even longer when you start to think "3D".  You see, many people (if not most) that I talk to who have found relief haven’t found it in just one thing.  They use a combination of things.  All right, so vitamin B2 didn’t make a big difference on its own.  But along with a preventative medication, it makes aa difference.

Or, how about biofeedback and an occasional abortive medication.  Or a combination of three supplements.  Or changing your diet and taking a preventative.

To really get serious about getting rid of your symptoms, you need to start thinking 3D.  This can be a challenge – the combinations are almost endless, and sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s working and what isn’t.  But that’s why websites like this one are here – to bring to your attention some of the latest research and best results.

This week, shift your thinking – don’t be afraid to look at combinations.  Maybe each thing alone makes a 1% difference – but together it could be much more.

What is 1% Thursday?

Every Thursday at Headache and Migraine News (weather permitting) we’ll talk about one measurable, practical thing we can do to make our lives just 1% better.  Usually it will be something very easy, sometimes it will be a challenge.  Let us know if you try it, or share an idea of your own – and maybe a year from now we’ll see that things have really changed for the better!

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

1% Thursday: Think 3D

These other posts might relate:

• 1% Thursday:  Move on
• 1% Thursday: Understimulate
• 1% Thursday: Migraine-fighting foods?

Here are the most popular posts from the last 3 months.  Check them out, and join the conversation!  The most popular posts of all come first…

• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, Migraine, and CoQ10
• Those with Migraine still Stigmatized
• Grape Seed Extract – Next for Migraine?
• Migraine and REM Sleep
• 1% Thursday: Your Medication
• The Madrid Manifesto 2010
• Impact of Migraine/Cluster/Headache on Job Decisions
• Menstrual Migraine: Will Topamax Help?
• How Sunglasses are helping fight Migraine
• Migraine and Food Allergy? New Study…

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Highlights from the past 3 Months (August 2010 edition)

Random other posts:

Invisible Illness Week is almost here again!  Scheduled for the 13th-19th of September 2010, this is the 9th year – and it’s less than a month away!

This year, there will still be online seminars, though not as many as in past years.  But there will still be online resources, people blogging all over the world (will you be one of them?), and some other fun activities.

I’ll let Lisa explain something that will be going on this year – sounds like fun!  Also, another video below with a general introduction to Invisible Illness Week, created for last year’s events.

(Incidentally, I have to admit I didn’t really like the idea that you’re about to hear about when I first heard it.  But the more I think about it, the more I like it …)

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Invisible Illness Week 2010

These other posts might relate:

• You’re not missing Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, are You?
• Invisible Illness Week 2009 – Just 1 Month Away!
• Transcripts from Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week

With chronic illness, including chronic headache and migraine, the idea of entertaining can be overwhelming.  And yet, the truth is that having friends over can also be therapeutic (not that it’s all about us, of course!).

So, just in the nick of time, Diana Lee comes through with some great tips and advice.  Don’t miss her post – Simplify Life with Migraines & Chronic Illness: Entertaining.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Cyberspace Snippet:  Entertaining

These other posts might relate:

• Cyberspace Snippet:  Networking
• 1% Thursday: Your Shopping Buddy
• Alternative therapies – this month’s blog carnival