Headaches in some individuals may be influenced by genes inherited from Neanderthals, according to new research published in the journal *Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health*. Scientists have identified a link between brain development anomalies and DNA from ancient hominins, shedding light on why a segment of the population is more susceptible to chronic migraines.
Chiari Malformation Type I (CM-I) is a condition characterized by brain tissue extending into the spinal canal, causing headaches, neck pain, and in severe cases, neurological issues. The researchers examined 3D models of skulls from 103 contemporary individuals, as well as remains from Neanderthals, Homo erectus, and Homo heidelbergensis. They found that the shape of the skulls in people with CM-I closely resembles that of Neanderthals rather than other ancient human ancestors.
The researchers propose that the genes responsible for skull structure in Neanderthals may lead to a mismatch between brain size and the cranial cavity in modern humans. If a Neanderthal had inherited a Homo sapiens skull shape, they might have experienced similar problems, said lead author Kimberly Plomp.
Since Neanderthal DNA is distributed unevenly among modern populations, the prevalence of Chiari anomalies could vary by region. For instance, up to 4% of the genes in East Asian individuals are Neanderthal, while Indigenous Africans have very few. If this theory holds true, the occurrence of CM-I should be higher in Asia.
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