Emily Bates, a professor at the University of Utah, may have discovered the culprit for the recurring migraines she has suffered since she was little. It is believed to be a gene called CKIdelta, which is believed to play an important role in many vital brain functions. This discovery could pave the way for a new understanding of one of the most common forms of migraine: recurrent migraines. “I have suffered from this particularly debilitating form of migraine since I was little: headaches which are accompanied by nausea, vision problems and which can leave me on the sidelines for a day” explains Professor Emily Bates.
So she embarked on genetic studies to understand the reasons for his migraines.
For this study, Prof. Bates and researchers at the University of California studied mice carrying the CKIdelta gene. It’s hard to guess if any mice suffer from migraines, but they have studied their reactions to pain and light. And found that their symptoms responded well to painkillers. “The discovery of this gene could pave the way for new research to find treatments capable of changing the daily lives of people who suffer from migraine Insists Professor Emily Bates.
