The Genetic Link Between Epilepsy and Severe Migraine

https://news.feinberg.northwestern.edu/2026/04/16/epilepsy-gene-implicated-in-severe-migraine-disorder/ 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9005871/

Scientists at Northwestern Medicine have recently discovered a previously unknown genetic mutation that is linked to certain neurological disorders.  Some of these disorders include epilepsy, carrying degrees of autism, and now migraines as well.  The gene that is responsible for these neurological disorders is the SCN2A gene.  The team at Northwestern Medicine discovered that this gene is also capable of causing familial hemiplegic migraines or FHM.  FHM is a rare disease that causes temporary motor skill weakness, severe headaches, and in extreme cases strokes and seizures.  Due to this newfound link scientists will be able to detect neurological disorders earlier by observing the SCN2A gene.  This new research could provide coming generations with relief from FHM and other neurological disorders.