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- Title
Migraine in men.
- Authors
Fitzek, Mira P.; Boucherie, Deirdre M.; de Vries, Tessa; Handtmann, Cleo; Fathi, Haniyeh; Raffaelli, Bianca; MaassenVanDenBrink, Antoinette
- Abstract
Background: Migraine is a common primary headache disorder, less frequently affecting men than women, and often regarded as predominantly a "women's disease." Despite this, migraine in men presents with unique characteristics in terms of symptoms, treatment responses, comorbidities, and pain perception. Historically, research has focused more on migraine in women, overlooking critical male-specific aspects. Results: This review delves into the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and particular challenges of diagnosing and managing migraine in men. It addresses sex-specific triggers, hormonal influences, and comorbid conditions affecting migraine prevalence and severity in men. Additionally, the review evaluates current therapeutic strategies, underscoring the necessity for individualized approaches. Men with migraine often exhibit atypical symptoms compared to the ICHD-3 criteria and are less likely to report common associated symptoms. They also tend to have fewer psychological comorbidities, respond more favorably to pharmacological treatments, yet are less likely to seek medical support. The reasons for these sex disparities are complex, involving biological, psychosocial, and cultural factors, such as brain structural differences, differences in functional responses to painful stimuli, hormonal effects, and behavioral influences like adherence to masculine norms and stigma. Conclusion: Men are underrepresented in clinical migraine research. In contrast, preclinical studies often focus solely in male animals as a result of various misconceptions. This disparity necessitates greater focus on sex-specific aspects of migraine to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and research. Addressing stigma, increasing healthcare access, and ensuring balanced sex and gender representation in future studies is crucial for a comprehensive understanding and effective management of migraine for all patients.
- Subjects
GERMANY; MIGRAINE diagnosis; PAIN measurement; SEX hormones; SEX distribution; HEADACHE; AGE distribution; MEN'S health; SOCIAL skills; SEXUAL minorities; MIGRAINE; SOCIAL stigma; COMORBIDITY; DISEASE risk factors; SYMPTOMS
- Publication
Journal of Headache & Pain, 2025, Vol 26, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
1129-2369
- Publication type
Academic Journal
- DOI
10.1186/s10194-024-01936-7