DHAKA: People who are prone to suffering migraines in middle age are more than twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease, a new study has found.

Those who suffer early warning signs, known as migraine aura, which include seeing flashing lights, were found to be most at risk, scientists have said, reports the daily Mail.

The link is thought to be associated with a dysfunction in the brain messenger dopamine, but researchers stressed the risk is still low.

NHS figures show around one in every five women, and one in every 15 men suffer migraines, which usually begin in early adulthood.

Yet the exact cause of migraines is unknown.

They are thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals and blood vessels in the brain. 

Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role.

Dr Ann Scher of the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda said that Migraine is the most common brain disorder in both men and women.

BDST: 1230 HRS, SEP 16, 2014