학술논문

Sex Differences of Migraine: Results of a Nationwide Home-based Study in Turkey
Document Type
Clinical report
Source
Archives of Neuropsychiatry. June 2020, Vol. 57 Issue 2, p126, 5 p.
Subject
Postmenopausal women -- Comparative analysis -- Social aspects
Migraine -- Social aspects -- Comparative analysis
Health
Diseases
Social aspects
Comparative analysis
Language
English
ISSN
1300-0667
Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence of migraine was found to be more than three-fold higher in women as compared with men, and in addition to differences in prevalence rates, the characteristics and associated features might also differ between the sexes. The aim of this study was to compare sex-specific features of migraine and demographic parameters in a nationwide population-based study in Turkey. Methods: Among 5323 subjects, a total of 871 patients who were diagnosed as having definite migraine according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders-III (ICHD-III) were included in our study. The demographic characteristics, associated features, and triggers of migraine were examined with regard to sex. Results: The study group comprised 640 women (73.5%) and 231 men (26.5%), with a female to male ratio of 2.8:1. Attack duration, mean migraine disability assessment scores (MIDAS), frequencies of nausea, vomiting, osmophobia, vertigo/dizziness, and allodynia were found significantly different between women and men. When we compared these parameters between men and postmenopausal women, all these parameters were still significant except nausea. Odor was statistically more frequent as a reported trigger in women, whereas excessive sleep was a statistically more frequent triggering factor in men. The rates of depression and allergy were significantly higher in women when compared with men. Conclusion: Longer attack duration, higher MIDAS scores, and the frequencies of nausea, vomiting, osmophobia, vertigo/dizziness, and allodynia were more significant in women and this variance in sex persisted after menopause. Also, some trigger factors and comorbidities differed between the sexes. These findings might result from complex genetic factors besides sociocultural influences, biologic, and sociocultural roles. Future studies should continue to explore biologic and genetic factors with respect to sex in migraine. Keywords: Migraine; sex differences; postmenopausal women
INTRODUCTION Migraine is a common and disabling disorder, constituting a major health problem for individuals and society. Studies of migraineurs in the general population have consistently demonstrated that migraine is [...]