The Role of Ion Channel Genes in Post-Traumatic Headache
Abstract
Persistent headache or migraine after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common occurrence that can cause significant healthcare burden and drastically affect quality of life. The mechanisms that lead to why some individuals experience these symptoms after TBI and others do not are not well understood. However, the limited research that has been undertaken to date suggests a role for similar mechanisms to those that cause the occurrence of migraine in patients that have not experienced TBI. In these patients there is significant data to support the involvement of a variety of genetic mutations, predominantly in ion channel genes, that cause dysregulation in the processes that then manifest as various migraine subtypes in patients. This research proposal will investigate the role of genetic mutation in predisposing individuals to Post-Traumatic Headache and Chronic Migraine -- addressing the respectively titled Fiscal Year 2018 Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program Topic Area. A cohort of 117 patients with post-traumatic headache will be recruited to provide detailed clinical, neurological, psychosocial, and demographic data, as well as samples for DNA analysis. The research strategy will use next-generation sequencing technology that will allow simultaneous interrogation of all genes that potentially contain genetic mutations that contribute to post-traumatic headache. This breadth of genetic interrogation has not been previously reported for this research field and will provide significant insight into the role that genetics may play. It is anticipated that results will have the potential to be developed into diagnostic tests to determine those at high risk of post-traumatic headache, as well as providing insight and potential new targets to drive therapeutic research and development. Finally, this research may also contribute to precision medicine and guide treatment choice, by providing critical information to clinicians regarding the genetic risk and causes of ongoing post-traumatic headache.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1910098
Entities
People
- Lyn Griffiths
Organizations
- Queensland University of Technology
- United States Army