Genes May Link Migraines, Depression

Some people with migraines and depression may share genes that increase their risk of both conditions, a study suggests. Researchers used data on 2,652 people who were part of a long-running study. All were descendents of 22 couples in the Dutch town of Rucphen. About 25% of those with migraines also suffered from depression. Only about 13% of those without migraines were depressed. The link was even stronger for those who had migraines with aura. An aura is a flash of light or other visual change that occurs before a headache starts. Researchers concluded that 56% of migraine cases were linked to genes. For migraines with aura, 96% were linked to genes, they said. The journal Neurology published the study online. HealthDay News wrote about it January 13.