In those with high migraine risk, altered brain morphometry may be genetically mediated,  according to the findings of a novel research published in "Brain". Migraine, a widespread and often incapacitating condition, predominantly affecting individuals during their most productive years, has long been a topic of scientific investigation. While previous research has unveiled genetic factors and brain morphology differences related to migraine risk, the genetic underpinnings of the connection between migraine and brain structure have remained uncharted territory.

Furthermore, the causal nature of the connection between brain structure and migraine risk has been a subject of ongoing inquiry. This groundbreaking study, utilizing the largest available genome-wide association studies, has delved into the genetic interplay between migraine and the structure of brain. Researchers sought to uncover the comprehensive genetic connection across the entire genome between migraine and intracranial volume, as well as the volumes of nine specific brain structures located below the cortex. Additionally, the study honed in on pinpointing and annotating the genetic overlap between migraine and each specific brain structure, highlighting shared regions in the genome.

Finally, researchers investigated whether the size of certain brain regions might causally influence migraine risk, employing a Mendelian randomization approach. The findings of this study unveiled a vital genome-wide negative genetic association between the risk of migraine and intracranial volume (rG = -0.11). However, this correlation was not witnessed with any subcortical brain region. Nevertheless, the study did identify shared genomic overlap between migraine and every brain structure under scrutiny. The enriched genes in these shared genomic regions suggested potential connections to neuronal signaling and vascular regulation.

Furthermore, the study presented compelling evidence for a potential causal link between smaller total brain, hippocampal, and ventral diencephalon volumes and an escalated risk of migraine. Conversely, it also suggested a causal connection between a raised risk of migraine and amygdala's  greater volume. By harnessing the power of large-scale genome-wide association studies, this research has provided insights into shared genetic pathways that jointly affect the risk of migraine and various brain structures.

These findings hint at the possibility that altered brain morphology in those with a heightened risk of migraine might be genetically mediated. Moreover, the study lends support to the neurovascular hypothesis of migraine etiology and illuminates potential therapeutic targets for this debilitating condition. This study represents a pivotal step forward in understanding the intricate relationship between genetics, brain structure, and migraine risk, offering hope for improved treatment and management strategies for those affected by this pervasive ailment.