Association of Childhood Trauma with Migraines in Men

Abstract

Advancements in knowledge are needed to identify the link between childhood trauma and migraines in men. Though migraines are more prevalent in women, research about migraines in men with past traumatic exposure has received little attention. There are9% of men of all ages with migraines in the United States, 12% of adult males in Europe between the ages of 18 and 65 with migraines, and 5 to 29% of males who experienced childhood sexual abuse, in other words, 1 in 6 males; whereby 50% of children who are sex trafficked in the United States are males, while 4% of male victims of significant trauma develop post-traumatic stress disorder. There may be a strong correlation that suggests that male migraine sufferers are more likely to have experienced some form of childhood trauma, in particular sexual abuse. Men’s migraines underrepresentation in research limits understanding of the adverse effects of childhood sexual abuse that often results in post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric and medical conditions. As migraines become more understood, advances in our understanding of the neurobiological effects of trauma on brain structure and function may suggest a possible impact of early-life stress on the onset of migraines. Early-life stress-induced conditions in males may manifest because of sexual abuse often being undetected, fear of speaking out, or fear of being embarrassed. Unlike physical abuse where bruises are visible or neglect where malnourishment is noticeable, sexual abuse may inflict hidden bruises that may contribute to males suffering in silence. An increase in our knowledge may identify sexual abuse as the link between childhood trauma and migraines in men to suggest new treatment strategies.