Women experience migraines more than men. Here's a specialist's guide to managing the pain.

Key Points:

• Migraines affect 37 million Americans, with women being three times more likely to suffer from them than men; the condition is highly debilitating and costly in terms of medical expenses and lost productivity.
• Migraines are complex neurological events lasting hours to days, involving multiple phases including prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome, with symptoms extending beyond head pain to include sensitivity to light, nausea, and fatigue.
• While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, they are believed to be primarily genetic, involving abnormal protein releases that cause inflammation and neural network disruptions; hormonal fluctuations, especially in women, play a significant role in migraine susceptibility.
• Treatments have advanced with options like Botox injections and CGRP inhibitors, which not only relieve symptoms but also help prevent future migraines; non-pharmaceutical devices such as Remote Electrical Neuromodulation offer additional relief.
• Dr. Jessica Ailani emphasizes the importance of self-care for women with migraines, encouraging them to prioritize their health and seek appropriate treatment rather than dismissing their pain as normal.