Are you one of the millions of people affected by migraines? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, if you have family members who experience these debilitating headaches, your chances of getting them too skyrocket.
Research suggests that having a family history of migraine is a significant predictor of developing the condition yourself. And it’s not just a matter of inheriting a single gene – multiple genes are likely at play here. This means that both environmental and genetic factors contribute to your risk of getting migraines.
A study published in 1996 found that an astonishing 91% of people with migraine had at least one parent who suffered from the condition. Another study from 1992 discovered a smaller but still significant family linkage, with 60% of women reporting migraine in their immediate family and 47% of men doing the same.
So, what does this mean? It means that your genes can play a major role in determining whether you’ll experience migraines and how severe they’ll be. But it’s not all genetics – environmental factors also come into play.
The Power of Family
In some cases, family history is a clear indicator of migraine risk. One type of migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), has been linked to specific genetic alterations. This rare and severe form of migraine can cause temporary muscle weakness, vision changes, loss of vision, and even trouble communicating – in addition to the usual head pain.
To diagnose FHM, a doctor typically looks for at least one other family member who experiences the same type of migraines. And if you have an immediate family member with aura migraines (those preceded by visual warning signs like flickering light), your risk of getting them too increases fourfold!
The Bottom Line
If you’re living with migraine, know that you’re not alone – and neither is your family! The connection between family history and migraine risk is clear. By understanding how genetics and environment interact to shape our risk, we can take steps towards managing and even preventing these debilitating headaches.
Stay tuned for more insights on migraine management, research updates, and tips from the experts at [migrainemedicine.org](http://www.migrainemedicine.org).
