The migraine–stroke connection: A genetic perspective

Malik, Rainer; Winsvold, Bendik; Auffenberg, Eva; Dichgans, Martin and Freilinger, Tobias (2016): The migraine–stroke connection: A genetic perspective. In: Cephalalgia, Vol. 36, No. 7: pp. 658-668

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.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Form of publication: Publisher's Version
• Keywords: CADASIL; migraine pathophysiology; genetic susceptibility; cortical spreading depression; hemiplegic migraine; mouse model; genomewide association study
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: ISSN 0800-1952
• Alliance/National Licence: This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.
• Language: English