Influences of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Chronic Migraine: A Narrative Review

• Published in: Current pain and headache reports Vol. 28; no. 4; pp. 169 - 180
• Main Authors: Yeh, Po-Kuan, An, Yu-Chin, Hung, Kuo-Sheng, Yang, Fu-Chi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.04.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Brain research; Chronic Daily Headache (S-J Wang and S-P Chen; Emotions; Gene loci; Genomes; Headaches; Hormones; Hypothalamus; Internal Medicine; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Migraine; Pain; Pain Medicine; Pathophysiology; Section Editors; Sleep disorders; Stress; Topical Collection on Chronic Daily Headache; Chronic migraine; Genetic loci; Environmental factors; Genetic factors
• ISSN: 1531-3433; 1534-3081
• DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01228-4

Purpose of Review In this narrative review, we aim to summarize recent insights into the complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors affecting the etiology, development, and progression of chronic migraine (CM). Recent Findings Environmental factors such as stress, sleep dysfunction, fasting, hormonal changes, weather patterns, dietary compounds, and sensory stimuli are critical triggers that can contribute to the evolution of episodic migraine into CM. These triggers are particularly influential in genetically predisposed individuals. Concurrently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed over 100 genetic loci linked to migraine, emphasizing a significant genetic basis for migraine susceptibility. Summary In CM, environmental and genetic factors are of equal importance and contribute to the pathophysiology of the condition. Understanding the bidirectional interactions between these elements is crucial for advancing therapeutic approaches and preventive strategies. This balanced perspective encourages continued research into the complex gene-environment nexus to improve our understanding and management of CM.