Experts estimate that between 15 and 20 percent of migraine
sufferers experience an aura, or an abnormal feeling marked by
visual disturbances, such as dark spots, hallucinations or
zigzag lines. These auras are an indication that a migraine is
about to hit. For those who suffer from migraines with aura, a
new gene discovery may someday lead to relief, according to a
study published in the latest issue of the journal Nature
Medicine. A group of Canadian researchers discovered a mutation
in a gene that regulates the flow of potassium. This genetic
abnormality can cause nerves to be overstimulated, leading to
the painful symptoms of migraines preceded by an aura. Experts
say these findings are an important step toward understanding
more about the genetic factors underlying this extremely
disabling disorder, and hold a lot of promise for developing an
effective treatment. "There have been other genes that have been
identified for migraines and eventually, this could provide
targets for treatment with patients wi