Unpredictability of migraine disrupts life

SOUTHPORT, Australia, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- The unpredictability of symptoms and apprehension associated with living with migraine can limit the lives of some men, say Australian researchers.

Researchers at Griffith University's Genomics Research Centre say that although migraine is more common in women than men, about 6 percent of Australian men live with the debilitating neurological condition characterized by chronic headaches, sensitivity to light, visual symptoms and nausea.

Senior researcher Sharon Quinlan said the onset of migraine in males can be as early as 8 years of age. There is currently no completely effective treatment or cure.

The study assessed the quality of life in more than 200 men with migraine compared to healthy men.

"The reality is that if you have a migraine, you certainly can't perform at your peak and sometimes you can't perform at all," Quinlan said.

Not knowing when the next migraine could happen and the apprehension of having to deal with symptoms when migraine did strike made it difficult for men to plan their lives, the researchers say. The findings are being presented at the Gold Coast Health & Medical Research Conference.