Queensland researchers say they have found a chromosome with the gene responsible for migraines.

The Queensland Institute of Medical Research used a sample of more than 12,000 non-identical twins to track the markers to the migraine gene.

The American Journal of Human Genetics has published the results.

Research leader Dr Dale Nyholt says once the gene is found, it could lead to better treatments for migraine sufferers.

“We’ve identified a chromosome, chromosome five, which harbours a gene which is implicated in the common form of migraine headaches,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to identify that gene which will lead immediately to diagnostic tests, then a few years down the track to more total treatments hopefully.

“By understanding trigger factors, that is if you can find the gene that is associated, if you have a certain type of gene you are more susceptible to migraine, then what that does is enable us to identify treatments to target what that gene is doing.”