Characterization of Familial and Sporadic Migraine

Abstract

Background: It is unknown whether clinical parameters differ between migraineurs with and without first-degree family members with migraine. Objectives: The present cross-sectional study describes differences between familial and sporadic migraine with a focus on migraine characteristics, migraine severity, comorbidities, and treatment. Method: From the Danish Headache Center we recruited 358 patients with familial migraine and 1727 patients with sporadic migraine. Each participant was assessed using a validated semi-structured interview. Results: No differences in age (Mean = 44 and 44 [SD = 12.28 and 12.58] for familial and sporadic migraineurs, respectively; P =.900) or sex (295/358 (82.4%) and 1413/1727 (81.8%) women in familial and sporadic migraineurs, respectively; P =.853) were found. Familial migraineurs had more aphasic aura than sporadic migraineurs (41% vs 27%, P =.001). Sporadic migraineurs had more lifetime attacks ie, >100 attacks (45% vs 70%, P 72 hours (5% vs 12%, P