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Genetics of Menstrual Migraine: The Molecular Evidence

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Abstract

Migraine is considered to be a multifactorial disorder in which genetic, environmental, and, in the case of menstrual and menstrually related migraine, hormonal events influence the phenotype. Certainly, the role of female sex hormones in migraine has been well established, yet the mechanism behind this well-known relationship remains unclear. This review focuses on the potential role of hormonally related genes in migraine, summarizes results of candidate gene studies to date, and discusses challenges and issues involved in interpreting hormone-related gene results. In light of the molecular evidence presented, we discuss future approaches for analysis with the view to elucidate the complex genetic architecture that underlies the disorder.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Genomics Research Centre, Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4222, Australia

    Natalie Colson, Francesca Fernandez & Lyn Griffiths

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  1. Natalie Colson
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  2. Francesca Fernandez
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  3. Lyn Griffiths
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Correspondence to Lyn Griffiths.

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Colson, N., Fernandez, F. & Griffiths, L. Genetics of Menstrual Migraine: The Molecular Evidence. Curr Pain Headache Rep 14, 389–395 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-010-0129-3

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