The migraine–stroke connection: A genetic perspective. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malik, Rainer; Winsvold, Bendik; Auffenberg, Eva; Dichgans, Martin; Freilinger, Tobias
• Is Part Of: Cephalalgia. Volume 36:Number 7(2016)
• Page Start: 658
• Page End: 668
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: CADASIL -- migraine pathophysiology -- genetic susceptibility -- cortical spreading depression -- hemiplegic migraine -- mouse model -- genomewide association study; Headache -- Periodicals; 616.8491
• DOI: 10.1177/0333102415621055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0333-1024

Abstract

Background: A complex relationship between migraine and vascular disease has long been recognized. The pathophysiological basis underlying this correlation is incompletely understood. Aim: The aim of this review is to focus on the migraine–vascular disorders connection from a genetic perspective, illustrating potentially shared (molecular) mechanisms. Results: We first summarize the clinical presentation and genetic basis of CADASIL and other monogenic vascular syndromes with migraine as a prominent disease manifestation. Based on data from transgenic mouse models for familial hemiplegic migraine, we then discuss cortical spreading depression as a potential mechanistic link between migraine and ischemic stroke. Finally, we review data from genome-wide association studies, with a focus on overlapping findings with cervical artery dissection, ischemic stroke in general and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: A wealth of data supports a genetic link between migraine and vascular disease. Based on growing high-throughput data-sets, new genotyping techniques and in-depth phenotyping, further insights are expected for the future.