There are 7 types of migraine headaches, all of them extremely painful. During migraine attacks, sufferers are sensitive to light and sound and often experience nausea, vomiting or temporary loss of vision. Several triggers are associated with the condition including stress and lack of sleep. Changes in hormone levels can also trigger attacks - women are more affected than men. An estimated 8% of males and 17% of females in Europe regularly experience migraines.
In this latest research they discovered that patients who have a specific DNA variant located on Chromosome 8 were more likely to experience migraines. The authors believe that the link between the variant (called rs1835740) and migraine is that poor glutamate regulation could lead to an accumulation in the brain's synapses, making the person increasingly sensitive to migraine triggers. They suggest that a new therapeutic approach could be to prevent glutamate build-up.
Professor Christian Kubisch of the University of Ulm in Germany explained that until now, no genetic link has been identified to suggest that glutamate accumalation in the brain could play a role in common migraine. This research opens the door for new studies to look in depth at the biology of the disease and how this alteration in particular may exert its effect.
The Best of Swindon hope that this research paves the way to an eventual cure for Migraines sufferers around the world.
