New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) Changes in hormones may explain why migraines are three times more common among women than men, said experts here on Sunday. Migraine is a severe headache that starts usually on one side but can be bilateral, and associated with a pulsating or a throbbing quality. It is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and is also associated with the irritability to sound and noise and it worsens by doing routine activity.
According to Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director, Department of Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, people with migraine have a significant family history of migraine and it is often worsened during menstrual periods, resulting in a higher ratio of females to males experiencing migraines. Dr Sumit Singh, Director – Neurology at Artemis Hospitals, highlighted that the cyclical change in female sex hormones, particularly estrogen, is the main culprit for causing migraines.
The Global Burden of Disease study 2019 reported that worldwide migraine is the leading cause of disability among women aged 18-49. Studies have shown that migraines are more frequent, disabling, and long-lasting in women compared to men. Women are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression related to migraines and seek medical care and prescription drugs than men.
Prof Vinay Goyal, Chairman Neurology from Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram, emphasized the importance of clinical diagnosis and consultation with a physician or neurologist for identifying and treating migraines. He also mentioned the availability of multiple new techniques for migraine treatment and stressed the need to identify precipitating symptoms.
Dr J.B. Agadi, Senior Consultant Neurology, Apollo Hospital, Bangalore, highlighted the growing need for non-pharmacological options for treating migraines. He mentioned Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) as a promising option for migraine management, utilizing low-level electrical stimulation to activate pain-relieving pathways in the brain. It provides a clinically proven, drug-free option for migraine sufferers.
