Several genetic risk factors for migraines have been identified in a large study of migraines.

Migraine sufferers accounted for more than 102,000 participants in a February 2022 study published in Nature Genetics. In total, 123 risk factors were identified, of which 86 were previously unknown. Genetic information on migraine subtypes was also uncovered, which was previously unknown.

Findings “unequivocally” support the idea that migraines are caused by mechanisms within nerves and blood vessels.

Matti J. Pirinen, PhD, an associate professor of statistics at the University of Helsinki, in Finland, tells Verywell that migraine affects more than a billion people worldwide and causes a lot of disability. Hence, it’s critical to understand migraine’s underlying biology in order to develop treatments for the condition.

While Pirinen acknowledged that the genetic factors that contribute to migraine are “complex,” he and his colleagues “have now identified a couple of genetic risk factors” that influence the likelihood that a person will develop migraine with aura—a sensory issue that can cause flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling in the hands and face—as opposed to migraine without aura.

Migraines are thought to be caused by genetic mutations in the brain that result in abnormalities in the nervous system. An intense, pulsating or throbbing pain in one area of the head is the most common symptom of a migraine, but it can also include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. 2 It was previously thought the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head caused migraines, but now doctors believe that these severe headaches have a genetic basis.

However, there is no cure for migraines, but there are medications that can either prevent them from occurring or alleviate the symptoms of migraines.

Erenumab (Aimovig) is a medication that prevents migraine attacks by blocking the activity of a molecule that is linked to them. For short-term migraine treatment, lasmiditan (Reyvow) and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) are also used. 2

Aside from the well-known Botox, other medications originally developed to treat conditions such as epilepsy, depression, or high blood pressure have proven to be beneficial. The use of stress management techniques, dietary modifications, medication adjustments, and regular sleep schedules are all examples of lifestyle changes that healthcare providers may advise patients to make.

During acute migraines, doctors frequently prescribe sumatriptan or ergotamine drugs, as well as ibuprofen and aspirin.

According to Amit Sachdev, MD, medical director of the department of neurology and ophthalmology at Michigan State University, researchers have “long recognized” that migraines tend to run in families. Knowing “which genes are involved” is extremely helpful, he said.

There is no doubt that the latest findings can “definitely” influence future migraine treatment, according to Medhat Mikhael, MD, a pain management specialist and medical director of the nonoperative program at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California.

Mikhael expects genetic testing for migraine sufferers to become as common as cancer screenings, “like we do now with certain types of cancer.” In addition, patients who show signs of certain genetic markers may be put on treatment sooner if their results come back positive.

However, testing hasn’t reached that point yet. To this day, genetics is not used to determine whether or not someone has migraines or how to treat them. In the long run, this will be of most use in future research.

Of the genetic discoveries Pirinen made, two are close to genes that are already targeted by migraine drugs—CGRP-inhibitors or lasmiditans. In light of the new genetic discoveries, “this suggests that there could be other potential drug targets among the new genetic discoveries, and provides a clear rationale for future genetic studies with even larger sample sizes.”

As a whole, Mikhael believes that migraine treatment still has a long way to go. “It’s an exciting time,” he added.