Possible risk factors and precipitants for migraine with aura in discordant twin-pairs: a population-based study.
The aim of the present study was to detect possible risk factors in migraine with aura (MA) by analysis of discordant twin-pairs. In a recent population-based twin study we established that environmental factors account for approximately 50% of the variation in liability to MA. A cohort of 5,360 same-gender twin-pairs from the general population was screened for migraine. All twin-pairs with possible migraine were interviewed by a physician. A questionnaire provided information about living conditions and lifestyle. Of the 169 discordant twin-pairs 51 were monozygotic and 118 were dizygotic twin-pairs. Several putative risk factors-schooling, education, marital status, smoking status and alcohol consumption-showed no association with MA. The presence of migraine without aura or tension-type headache did not increase the risk of MA. Stress and mental tension, and bright light precipitated attacks of MA in, respectively, 44% and 28% of the twins.
Ulrich
V
V
Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. ulrich@post1.tele.dk
Olesen
J
J
Gervil
M
M
Russell
M B
MB
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D004493:Education; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008027:Light / Q000009:adverse effects; D017533:Marital Status; D020325:Migraine with Aura / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic