What Men with Migraine Need to KnowWhen people think of migraine, many often picture women, and for good reason—migraine is more commonly diagnosed in women. But that doesn’t mean men are immune. In fact, at least 6% of men in the U.S. live with migraines[i], and many more likely go undiagnosed due to stigma or misconceptions about the condition.

If you’re a man dealing with migraine, you’re not alone, and you deserve relief just like anyone else. Let’s break down what you need to know about migraine symptoms, how they can affect men specifically, and what treatment options are available.

Migraine Is More Than Just a Headache

A migraine is not your typical headache. It’s a complex neurological condition that can cause:

  • Throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
  • Visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or blind spots (known as aura)
  • Brain fog and fatigue

While symptoms can vary, a migraine can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, and it often interferes with work, family life, and daily routines.

Why Migraine May Show Up Differently in Men 

While the core biology of migraine is similar across sexes, research suggests that men may experience migraines differently due to a combination of hormonal, genetic, and behavioral factors.[ii] Unlike women, who often report migraine attacks linked to hormonal fluctuations, men’s migraine patterns may be influenced more by lifestyle triggers such as stress, sleep disruption, or alcohol use. Additionally, testosterone may play a protective role, potentially affecting pain sensitivity and migraine frequency. Men are also less likely to report symptoms like aura and may underreport their pain or disability due to societal expectations around toughness and stoicism. These differences can influence how migraines are experienced, diagnosed, and treated in men.

Why Men May Be Underdiagnosed

Because migraine is three times more common in women[iii], it’s sometimes considered a “women’s condition.” This misconception can make it harder for men to get a proper diagnosis or even take their symptoms seriously.

In fact, studies show that men are not only less likely to report migraine symptoms to their health care provider but are also less likely to receive a migraine diagnosis than women.[iv] Many men power through the pain, assuming it’s “just a headache” or something they should be able to tough out. But untreated migraines can become more frequent and more debilitating over time.

The truth is migraines don’t discriminate, and they deserve medical attention no matter who you are.

Migraine Can Actually Affect Men Differently

Although the core symptoms of migraine are similar, research suggests there may be some key differences in how men experience the condition:

  • Shorter attacks: Some studies suggest men may have shorter migraine episodes compared to women.[v]
  • Less frequent aura: Men are less likely to experience visual aura before or during a migraine.[vi]
  • Higher risk of cardiovascular disease: Men with migraines, especially with aura, may have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.[vii]
  • Mental health impact: Migraine has been linked to depression and anxiety, which are conditions men may also be less likely to seek treatment for.

These differences highlight the importance of personalized care when it comes to migraine management. 

Treatment Options That Work for Men with Migraine

The good news? There are more treatment options available today than ever before. These fall into two main categories:

  • Acute Treatments: These are designed to stop a migraine in its tracks. They include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications (like triptans), and newer therapies targeting migraine-specific pathways.
  • Preventive Treatments: If you get migraines frequently, a preventive approach might be right for you. These can include daily medications, injections, lifestyle changes, and neuromodulation devices.

A Drug-Free Option for Acute and Preventive Treatments

One innovative option that works for both acute and preventive migraine treatment is the gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS), a handheld device that uses gentle electrical pulses to block the pain signals associated with migraine. It’s FDA-cleared, easy to use at home, and doesn’t involve medication, making it an appealing option for men who prefer a drug-free approach. gammaCore nVNS can be used at the first sign of a migraine to provide quick relief, or daily to help prevent attacks altogether. It’s a flexible tool that can be integrated into your existing routine.

It’s Time to Prioritize Your Health

Men are often encouraged to “tough it out” when they’re in pain, but migraine is not something you need to power through. Left untreated, it can affect your performance at work, your relationships, and your overall quality of life. If you think you might be experiencing migraines, talk to a health care provider right away. If you’ve already been diagnosed, keep an open mind about exploring different treatment options, especially ones that fit your lifestyle.

To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.

References
1. Burch, R., Rizzoli, P., & Loder, E. (2018). The Prevalence and Impact of Migraine and Severe Headache in the United States: Figures and Trends From Government Health Studies. Headache, 58(4), 496-505. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13281
2. Fitzek, M.P., Boucherie, D.M., de Vries, T. et al. (2025). Migraine in men. J Headache Pain, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-024-01936-7
3. Walter, K., MD (2022). What Is Migraine? JAMA, 327(1). https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.21857
4. (2016, June 9). Migraine Stigma May Prevent Proper Diagnosis and Treatment in Men. American Headache Society. Retrieved June 29, 2025, from https://americanheadachesociety.org/news/migraine-stigma-may-prevent-proper-diagnosis-and-treatment-in-men
5. Fitzek, M.P., Boucherie, D.M., de Vries, T. et al. (2025). Migraine in men. J Headache Pain, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-024-01936-7
6. Allais, G., Chiarle, G., et al. (2018). Gender-related differences in migraine. Neurological Sciences, 41, 429–436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04643-8
7. Solan, M. (n.d.). Feel your pain: The health risk of migraines in men. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved June 29, 2025, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/feel-your-pain-the-health-risk-of-migraines-in-men