The migrainewould affect 5 to 8 million people in France. A new study from Bethesda University in the United States establishes a link, albeit weak, between migraine and the risk of suffering from Parkinson disease. This risk is doubled in migraine sufferers. More specifically, it is people prone to migraine auras who are more vulnerable. The researchers draw their conclusions from the 25-year follow-up of 5,620 people aged 33 to 65.
A migraine aura is a transient neurological disorder that occurs in 10-20% of migraines. It is manifested by temporary symptoms such as visual and speech disturbances. In some patients the seizure occurs with an aura while in others it does not. Some may alternate migraine episodes with and without aura.
While previous studies have suggested a link between heart disease, cardiovascular disorders and migraine, this American research offers an explanation for this new association with Parkinson’s neurodegenerative disease. It could stem from a malfunction of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in managing movement. However, Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a weakening of the production of dopamine in the brain.
“Migraine symptoms such as excessive yawning, nausea and vomiting may be related to stimulation of the dopamine receptor,” says Dr. Ann Scher, who conducted the study in the journal Neurology. But caution is still required, says the study. Other work, particularly genetic, is expected before verifying this link between Parkinson’s disease and migraine.
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