family history in migraine

Last reviewed 01/2023

A study by Russell et al. demonstrated that migraines are more common among first degree relatives of migraine sufferers:

• the relative risks of developing migraine for first degree relatives of a patient with common migraine are:
• 1.9 for common migraine
• 1.4 for classical migraine

• the relative risks of developing migraine for first degree relatives of a patient with classical migraine are:
• 4.0 for classical migraine
• 1.0 for common migraine

A meta-analysis has demonstrated a heritability of approximately 50% for migraine (2)

Migraine is a genetic disease, (3) although environmental factors are important in its aetiology

Reference:

• Russell, MB and Olesen, J.. Increased familial risk and evidence of genetic factor in migraine. BMJ 1995;311: 541-543.
• Nielsen CS et al. Twin studies of pain. Clin Genet. 2012;14:331-340.
• Russell MB. Is migraine a genetic illness? The various forms of migraine share a common genetic cause. Neurol Sci. 2008;14(1):S52-54.