Posted by Bob P on October 30, 2001 at 16:29:53:
In Reply to: Something Doc Goadsby said that was really interesting about this was.... posted by nancyc on October 30, 2001 at 16:04:41:
Here is the response I got from Goadsby when I asked about this a while back. Recessive genes do skip generations like red/green color blindness is passed from a man through his daughter (who doesn't show the blindness) to her son who does show the blindness. CH may do the same, skipping generations until the recessive gene decided to pop up in a certain person.
_________________________________
There does seem to be an inerited component, but the chance that it will
manifest is small. This is cold comfort, although from an understanding
point of view crucial. If we coudl work out the nature of the inherited
component than we woudl know more about how the disorder starts and stops.
The biggest chance is you will not pass it on. Beyond that as yet there is
much to do.
PJG
These are the relevant references
(1, 2)
1. Leone M, Russell MB, Rigamonti A, et al. Increased familial risk of
cluster headache. Neurology 2001;56:1233-1236.
2. Russell MB, Andersson PG, Iselius L. Cluster headache is an
inherited disorder in some families. Headache 1996;36:608-612.