Migraine Headaches Could Be Switched Off

Scientists have identified the gene linked to common form of migraine opening the way for its treatment in what is being described as a "once in a generation" finding.

The gene was identified in an international study led by scientists at Université de Montréal and University of Oxford. The research is published in Nature Medicine.

According to the study, a mutation of the KCNK1 gene can inhibit the functioning of a protein called TRESK, which plays a key role in nerve cell communication.

TRESK acts like a pain thermostat that controls the sensitivity of nerves in the brain that sense pain. In people prone to Migraine headaches, the pain threshold is set so low that even light, sound and touch can trigger pain.

According to Dr Zameel Cader from the MRC Functional Genomics Unit at Oxford, who is the joint lead author of the study, the KCNK1 gene mutation leads to the production of an incomplete form of TRESK that disrupts electrical activity (excitability) of cells.

"We now have direct evidence that migraine is a nerve excitability problem and have highlighted a key causal pathway in migraine," says Dr Zameel.

Scientists believe they can create drugs that can raise the threshold of pain, even turn if off completely.

"We are really excited about this," says Dr Zameel. "It is a once in a generation find that could one day lead to treatments that could prevent migraines. Potentially it is even more exciting than that.

"It could potentially lead to a treatment for pain in general. That could impact everybody."