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Abstract

The invention provides a method of determining whether or not an individual has a predisposition to migraine including the step of determining whether an isolated nucleic acid obtained from the individual comprises a nucleotide sequence corresponding to at least a fragment of a dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) gene promoter, wherein the presence of a −1021C→T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in said nucleotide sequence indicates whether or not said individual has an increased predisposition to migraine compared to an individual without the polymorphism. DBH −1021C/C homozygotes are particularly susceptible to migraine. The −1021T allele may exert a protective effect. The method is particularly suited to detection of a predisposition to migraine with aura in females. The invention also provides a diagnostic kit for detecting a −1021C→T SNP associated with migraine. The method and kit may facilitate selection of individuals for migraine therapy which targets the dopaminergic system.

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First Claim