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Though it is the world's most common cause of neurological disability, researchers are only beginning to understand what causes migraine. One common explanation was recently thrown out. This is the so-called vascular theory, which was proposed in 1938. It claims that pressure changes in the vascular system near the brain cause migraine. But after testing, this theory is no longer considered valid. Migraine is now considered a gene-related neurological disease, and not a vascular one.
Current research shows a variety of genetic mutations are at least partly responsible. The gene TRESK has been identified as the site of one such genetic mutation. The TRESK gene provides the blueprints for a potassium ion channel that is believed to help your nerve cells rest. When mutations occur in this gene, they may cause nerve cells to become overexcited, making them more responsive to less pain.
Although gene mutations tell part of the story, migraine initiation is enormously complicated. It relies on several processes which either result in a visibly changed brain structure or are caused by these structural changes. In fact, some scientists believe there is not a single cause, but rather multiple causes at play. Research continues in this growing field.
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