Functioning of Women with Migraine Headaches

Abstract

Background. Migraines are one of the most commonly occurring ailments affecting the nervous system. The aim of this research paper was to evaluate the effect migraines have on the everyday functioning of women. Method. The study involved women with diagnosed migraine headaches (IHS-2004) undergoing treatment at a neurological clinic. In order to evaluate the influence of headaches on the everyday functioning of women, a MSQ v.2 questionnaire was used, whereas pain severity was assessed on a linear VAS scale. Results. Among the clinical factors, the most influential was the frequency of headaches. Headache duration was particularly significant for women below the age of 40. Pain severity cited at 8–10 pts on the VAS significantly disrupted and limited everyday functioning. On the emotional function subscale, the most influential factors were age, education, and the frequency of headaches. Conclusions. On account of headache frequency emerging as the most significant influencing factor, it is of the utmost importance to inform patients of the value of taking prophylactic measures. Central to this is the identification of factors that trigger the onset of migraines. This approach would greatly aid the individual in choosing the appropriate treatment, either pharmacological or others.

The rate of migraine headache among sample of Iraqi diabetic patients: a cross sectional study

“…The present study showed that diabetic women are more liable to have migraine headache than diabetic men and this is most likely related to some gender differences rather than diabetes itself. It is well known that migraine headache is more prevalent in women than in men and this may be related to some hormonal differences (37). In the present study, also, it appears that rate of migraine is related significantly to type of diabetes since it is more frequently seen, in term of percentage out of total, in patients with type 1 diabetes than type 2 diabetes.…”