What is the impact of having a family history of migraine on migraine characteristics?

Objectives: There are only a handful of studies examining the clinical differences between patients with and without a family history of migraine. Our aim is to compare the descriptive and clinical properties of patients with and without a family history, and to investigate the association between the migraine burden and disease characteristics and disability of migraine. Methods: A total of 530 consecutive patients diagnosed with migraine according to the International Headache Society criteria were enrolled into the study. Detailed systemic and neurological examinations, and blood pressure, weight, height, and body mass index measurements, clinical and demographical data, the visual analog scale, allodynia symptom checklist, and the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) scores were recorded. The groups with and without a family history of migraine were compared statistically. Results: Patients with a positive family history had a higher educational status (high school and higher) (p<0.05) and an increased triggering of pain with physical activity (p=0.013). The age at onset was earlier (p=0.049); disease duration was longer (p=0.030), and MIDAS scores were significantly higher (p=0.028) in patients with a family history of migraine. Conclusion: Having a family history of migraine is associated with an earlier age at onset and a longer disease duration, in addition to an increased disability in these patients. The family history may be assumed as a marker of the genetic load in migraineurs; therefore, an early diagnosis and an appropriate management are essential in these patients to avoid migraine-related disability.