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Updated: Apr 29, 2026
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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
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Sex-related differences in migraine
Cinzia Finocchi1, Laura Strada
1Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Childhood Sciences, University of Genova, Largo Daneo 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy, cfinocchi@neurologia.unige.it.
Summary
Migraine affects women more than men, causing more frequent and severe attacks. Understanding these sex differences is crucial for developing targeted migraine treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Migraine prevalence, symptom severity, and progression to chronic forms differ significantly between sexes.
- Women experience more frequent, longer-lasting, and more debilitating migraine attacks compared to men.
- Underlying biological and genetic mechanisms driving these sex-based disparities remain largely unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on sex-related differences in migraine epidemiology, clinical presentation, and natural history.
- To explore potential biological factors, including sex hormones, genetic influences, and neurobiological variations, contributing to migraine sex disparities.
- To address gender-specific considerations in migraine treatment and identify gaps in research.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating sex and gender differences in migraine.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on migraine prevalence and incidence across sexes.
- Synthesis of research on clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment responses in male and female migraineurs.
Main Results:
- Migraine is over twice as common in females; women report more severe, frequent, and disabling attacks.
- Females have a higher risk of transitioning from episodic to chronic migraine compared to males.
- Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the precise mechanisms driving these sex-based differences.
Conclusions:
- Sex hormones, genetic factors, and distinct brain structures/functions likely contribute to migraine sex disparities.
- Current migraine research and treatment paradigms may not adequately address sex-specific needs.
- Future research must analyze data separately by sex to elucidate these differences and inform personalized treatment strategies.
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