Breaking the Silence: Understanding Migraine in Men

When most people think of migraine, they often picture a woman suffering from a severe headache. But did you know that 25% of people with migraine are men? That means in the U.S. alone, about 10 million men live with this often misunderstood and disabling disease. It’s time to break the silence around men and migraine — to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and empower men to seek the care they deserve.

This blog is based on a live webinar interview with Dr. Thomas Berk, a certified headache specialist and the medical director and VP of Clinical at Neura Health. During the webinar, Dr. Berk shared his personal and professional insights into what it’s like to live with migraine as a man. “Migraine, if anything, actually runs on my father’s side of the family,” Dr. Berk reveals, explaining how his own experience with migraine shaped his passion for headache medicine. “Sometimes I have to stop everything I’m doing because the entire room is spinning. I know I can’t see people as a physician in that state.” His honesty highlights the real impact migraine has on people’s lives and careers — even on those who understand the disease best!

Men Get Migraine Too!

The misconception that migraine is solely a woman’s condition persists despite the numbers. Dr. Berk points out, “It is definitely the case that migraine is vastly underreported in men,” partly because men are less likely to seek medical help. “Men generally will go longer without seeing a physician. They’ll bear the symptoms for longer periods and be less open to talking about it, even with family members.”

Societal expectations often fuel this silence. Dr. Berk addresses the harmful mindset: “There’s this phrase people use, ‘Oh, you gotta man up.’ But what does that mean? And, doing that can sometimes actually be a really terrible idea, making things a million times worse.” He encourages men to be vulnerable and seek support, emphasizing that admitting you have a health problem doesn’t mean you’re complaining or are less of a man.

Symptoms and Treatment: Similar but Personal

Asked if men experience different migraine symptoms than women, Dr. Berk noted, “For the most part, subtypes of migraine are not vastly different between men and women. The difference lies more in the incidence of migraine in general.” When it comes to treatments, personalization is key. Dr. Berk notes subtle differences in side effects between men and women with some medications, but stresses that many of these issues and concerns need to be addressed in both populations.

The Importance of Breaking the Silence

One of the most powerful messages shared during the webinar came from a young man with migraine: “You have to tell them what is going to happen… The bare minimum that needs to be done for men is that they have to be informed about migraine as a progressive disease and the consequences of ignoring symptoms or just trying to tough it out.” (quote from man with migraine) Dr. Berk agrees wholeheartedly, stressing that education can empower men to manage their condition better and prevent worsening attacks.

Overcoming Stigma and Misunderstanding

Many men with migraine face skepticism, even accusations of faking their pain. Dr. Berk explains, “Migraine is one of the most disabling conditions people can experience, but it’s considered an invisible illness. People don’t see you in the midst of an attack because you’re trying to get away from everyone.” He advises responding to doubters with honesty: “You can say, ‘I understand this is invisible, but it is extremely disabling when I experience it. Migraine is more than just a headache.”

Beyond Migraine: Other Headache Disorders in Men

It’s also crucial to recognize other headache disorders that affect men more frequently. Dr. Berk highlights cluster headache, a severe and often misdiagnosed condition that is generally more common in men. He explains, “Cluster headaches are extremely painful… patients don’t feel tired; instead, they’re agitated. It’s thought to be one of the worst pains a human can experience.”

Practical Advice for Men Living with Migraine

• Seek Care & Be Proactive: Dr. Berk encourages men: “Break the silence. Be open about what you experience in a way that is authentically you. It can actually allow you to break the cycle of worsening attacks.” Work with your doctor to develop a personalized Migraine Action Plan.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can be beneficial — but with caution. “Exercise is very helpful preventively for migraine,” he says, recommending regular physical activity. However, he warns that during an attack, exertion often worsens symptoms.
• Discuss Work Accommodations: If you face challenges at work, Dr. Berk advises discussing reasonable accommodations with your employer. This can include flexible hours, remote work options, or the ability to rest in a quiet space during an attack. He underscores, “There are usually some legal avenues available, and we spend a lot of time advocating on behalf of our patients.”
• Connect with Others & Share Your Story: Migraine affects millions of men, yet many suffer in silence due to stigma and misunderstanding. As Dr. Berk says, “Migraine is more than just a headache” — it’s a complex, disabling disease that deserves attention and compassion. If you or a man you know struggles with migraine, remember: you’re not alone, there are treatments and supports available, and breaking the silence is the first step to better care. If you are a man living with migraine and want to share your story or learn more, consider joining support groups, focus groups, or advocacy efforts to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Together, we can change the conversation around migraine.

Let Us Know:

Are you a man who lives with migraine disease, and if so, what has been the most challenging part of that? Has anything helped you? Have you experienced stigma regarding migraine, and what are your best tips for other men dealing with this disease?

For more information and resources, we encourage you to connect with migraine advocacy groups such as Migraine Meanderings and healthcare professionals who are trained in headache medicine. Visit the new Migraine Meanderings webpage, Men with Migraine, for more information and support.

Note: This blog is based on insights from Dr. Thomas Berk, a headache specialist and Medical Director & Chief of Clinical at Neura Health, a virtual neurology clinic. These insights were shared during a live webinar interview on Men with Migraine: Breaking the Silence. All quotes from Dr Berk came directly from that interview and have been approved by him for use here. The blog was organized with the assistance of Coral AI, an AI-powered tool, to enhance clarity and structure.