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Current Pain and Headache Reports
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 2/2010

01-04-2010

Genetics of Cluster Headache

Author: Markus Schürks

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

Cluster headache (CH) is a rare, excruciating primary headache disorder. A genetic basis has been suggested by family and twin studies, but the mode of transmission seems to vary and the amount of heritability is unclear. The number of genetic association studies investigating variants implicated in the pathophysiology of CH is limited. The HCRTR2 1246G > A and the ADH4 925A > G polymorphisms have been associated with CH. The former has been confirmed and may affect the hypothalamic hypocretin system. However, it only appears to account for a part of the genetic susceptibility for CH, and additional genetic and environmental factors are likely implicated. Pharmacogenetic studies have suggested that the GNB3 825C > T polymorphism may modify treatment response to triptans among CH patients by altering the signal transduction cascade via G protein–coupled receptors. Genetic studies in CH are notoriously difficult due to the complex nature of the disorder and the low prevalence of CH.
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Metadata
Title
Genetics of Cluster Headache
Author
Markus Schürks
Publication date
01-04-2010
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-010-0096-8

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