Yes, migraine can be hereditary. Genetics plays an important role in determining a person’s susceptibility to migraine, although having a genetic predisposition does not necessarily mean that someone will develop the condition. Migraine is a complex neurological disorder influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Research involving families and twins suggests that genetic factors account for approximately 40–60% of the variation in migraine susceptibility, although estimates vary between studies and populations. This means that certain genetic variations can increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing migraine attacks. These variations may influence how the brain processes pain, responds to sensory stimuli, and regulates communication between nerve cells.

Unlike some inherited disorders caused by a change in a single gene, most cases of migraine are considered multifactorial. This means that multiple genetic variations contribute to susceptibility, with each variation generally having a relatively small effect. These genetic factors interact with environmental influences to determine whether migraine develops and how frequently attacks occur.
For example, a person may inherit several genetic variations associated with migraine but experience few or no attacks. Another person with a similar genetic background may develop frequent migraines because of additional contributing factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, irregular sleep, psychological stress, dehydration, or certain environmental triggers.
Hormones are particularly relevant in migraine susceptibility. Migraine is more common in women, and some individuals experience attacks around menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Changes in oestrogen levels can influence migraine patterns in susceptible individuals.

It is also important to understand that migraine is not caused by a single gene in most people. Although rare genetic conditions can produce migraine-like symptoms through specific gene changes, these represent a small proportion of cases.
From a genetic counselling perspective, understanding a patient’s family history can help identify inherited susceptibility. A genetic counsellor may ask whether parents, siblings, grandparents, or other relatives experience migraine, including migraine with aura.
However, routine genetic testing is not recommended for common migraine because its genetic architecture is complex and no single test can reliably predict who will develop the condition.