Migraine: Familial distribution in a Portuguese population [Enxaqueca: Distribuição familiar numa população portuguesa]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2006

Authors

Carolina Lemos (Author) Other; Castro, MJ (Author) Other; Mendonca, T (Author) Other; Jose Barros (Author) ICBAS; Jose Pereira Monteiro (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Sinapse

Vol. 6

Pages: 48-53

ISSN: 1645-281X

Publisher: Sociedade Portuguesa de Neurologia

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-FR5

Abstract (EN): Introduction: Migraine is a type of a primary headache, affecting 11-20% in the general population. Migraine with and without aura are the two most common forms. This disorder can occur early in life and constitute a Public Health Problem due to the high prevalence and the economic and social implications. This disease has a complex etiology with genetic and environmental factors implicated. The identification of the genetic causes involved in the common forms of migraine has not yet been possible. Objectives: Our aim was to perform an epidemiologic and clinical study to describe a group of Portuguese families, which will help us to carry on with the molecular study. Methodology: A sample of probands and relatives with different types of migraine was selected from the Out-patient Clinic of the Department of Neurology of the HGSA. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the individuals. To describe the population in study, statistical analysis of the data was performed. Results: 196 probands and 418 relatives affected with migraine were selected, with a female/male ratio of 4:1 and 2:1, respectively. In the two groups, migraine without aura was the most frequent subtype. The mean age of onset was 17,78 ± 8,14 for the probands and 15,83 ± 8,15 for the relatives, being lower in males in both groups. Discussion: The sample observed presents demographic and clinical characteristics similar to other studies, including the one previously performed in our population. Conclusions: In this study, a significant number of migraine families and controls were obtained. The analysis of the different clinical characteristics in this population may allow selecting clinical subgroups that can be important for the study of the genotype-phenotype correlations. The benefits of this kind of studies are the identification of individuals at risk and the improvement in the prevention of the disease.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific