27/09/2010
Migraine Is Genetic Defect, Study Reveals
As a result of identifying the migraine headache as a genetic defect, Scientists are now targeting new treatments.
A study in Nature Medicine suggests, a flawed gene found in a family of migraine sufferers could help trigger the severe headaches.
The discovery is a step forward in understanding why one in five people suffer from migraines, Dr Zameel Cader of the University of Oxford stated.
Scientists, including those at the Medical Research Council's Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford found a gene known as TRESK directly contributes to the cause of migraine in some patients.
The study found that environmental factors can more easily trigger pain centres in the brain and cause a severe headache, if the gene does not work properly.
The team used DNA samples from families with common migraine to identify the defective gene.
Dr Aarno Palotie, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, said: "It opens new avenues for planning new research which possibly could then lead to new treatments... but of course it's a long road."
(BMcN/GK)
A study in Nature Medicine suggests, a flawed gene found in a family of migraine sufferers could help trigger the severe headaches.
The discovery is a step forward in understanding why one in five people suffer from migraines, Dr Zameel Cader of the University of Oxford stated.
Scientists, including those at the Medical Research Council's Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford found a gene known as TRESK directly contributes to the cause of migraine in some patients.
The study found that environmental factors can more easily trigger pain centres in the brain and cause a severe headache, if the gene does not work properly.
The team used DNA samples from families with common migraine to identify the defective gene.
Dr Aarno Palotie, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, said: "It opens new avenues for planning new research which possibly could then lead to new treatments... but of course it's a long road."
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 July 2009
Gene Defect Linked To Allergy, BMJ Finds
Defects in a particular gene - the filaggrin gene - are associated with a significantly increased risk of developing allergic disorders such as eczema, rhinitis, and asthma, concludes a study published on bmj.com today. Allergic diseases have increased in recent decades and now affect up to one in three children in economically developed countries.
Gene Defect Linked To Allergy, BMJ Finds
Defects in a particular gene - the filaggrin gene - are associated with a significantly increased risk of developing allergic disorders such as eczema, rhinitis, and asthma, concludes a study published on bmj.com today. Allergic diseases have increased in recent decades and now affect up to one in three children in economically developed countries.
24 June 2003
£50m funding unveiled for NHS gene research
The government is set to promote the development of genetics within the NHS following its decision to plough £50 million into the scheme over the next three years. The White Paper 'Our Inheritance, Our Future - Realising the potential of genetics in the NHS' sets out the government's strategy.
£50m funding unveiled for NHS gene research
The government is set to promote the development of genetics within the NHS following its decision to plough £50 million into the scheme over the next three years. The White Paper 'Our Inheritance, Our Future - Realising the potential of genetics in the NHS' sets out the government's strategy.
08 February 2011
Botox Offers Little Help In Chronic Migraine
The popular anti-wrinkle jab, Botox, is unlikely to offer much benefit in its most recently licensed use, as a treatment for chronic migraine, says the new look Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB). Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Botox Offers Little Help In Chronic Migraine
The popular anti-wrinkle jab, Botox, is unlikely to offer much benefit in its most recently licensed use, as a treatment for chronic migraine, says the new look Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB). Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
14 December 2004
Risk of stroke 'double' for migraine sufferers, says BMA
Migraine sufferers are twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who do not experience migraines, according to a report in this week's British Medical Journal. In the first review of its kind, researchers in Canada and the US looked at 14 studies which investigated an association between stroke and migraine.
Risk of stroke 'double' for migraine sufferers, says BMA
Migraine sufferers are twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who do not experience migraines, according to a report in this week's British Medical Journal. In the first review of its kind, researchers in Canada and the US looked at 14 studies which investigated an association between stroke and migraine.
17 January 2005
Trial to explore migraine link to heart defects
A medical trial is to take place to establish if there is a link between migraines and heart defects. Research and preliminary evidence have established a possible link between migraines and a common, usually harmless defect of the heart.
Trial to explore migraine link to heart defects
A medical trial is to take place to establish if there is a link between migraines and heart defects. Research and preliminary evidence have established a possible link between migraines and a common, usually harmless defect of the heart.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Christmas Eve will be mainly dry but with a good deal of cloud, best chance of any brightness along the Antrim coast. Very mild but breezy especially around the north coast. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with a few cloud breaks developing later in the night, feeling quite mild although breezy again in the north. Minimum temperature 10 °C.