Migraine is the sixth most prevalent disease worldwide, including 28 million women. You might call it a sex- and gender-specific condition since migraine affects women 3 to 1, with different impacts at different stages of a woman's life. It is particularly burdensome among young and middle-aged women, and is often discounted as "just a headache." When, in fact, migraine is highly disabling and ranks second in terms of years of life lived with disability, women in medicine should be prepared to recognize and respond to complaints from women so treatment and long-term management can be offered.
Faculty:
Gretchen E. Tietjen, MD, Distinguished University Professor of Neurology Emerita University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Science
Learning Objectives
• Address the influences of environmental triggers, genetic predisposition, and sex differences in the development of this neurological, chronic migraine condition
• Describe the relationship between migraine and comorbid conditions that commonly occur in women
• Describe risks of migraine during different stages of a woman’s life, particularly during the menopausal transition
• Consider the efficacy of preventive strategies and review published guidance on pharmacologic therapies, non-pharmacologic management, and combination approaches.