Migraines: A Genetic and Brain Function Disorder

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Migraines are primarily an inherited disorder where most individuals have a close family member experiencing headaches. The brain of a person with migraines functions differently, as areas that normally ignore sensations start to malfunction. For individuals with migraines, it's not that they become more sensitive to light or sound, but rather the brain processes these stimuli differently, intensifying the perception of light or sound.

British minister Dehenna Davison recently resigned from government, explaining that chronic migraines were making it impossible for her to do her job. Her announcement coincided with a new drug for acute migraines being recommended for use in the NHS. Madeleine Finlay meets Prof Peter Goadsby, whose pioneering research underpins the new drug, to find out about the advances we’ve made in understanding migraines, and whether we might one day be able to wave goodbye to migraines for good. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod