Odors as triggering and worsening factors for migraine in men

Abstract

Objective: To assess the role of odors in triggering or worsening migraine in men.

Method: Ninety-eight male migraineurs from the general population were assessed individually through questionnaires. Environmental factors relating to their migraine were reported, with special focus on the role of odors.

Results: Odors were the second most frequent triggering factor for migraine attacks (48%), behind stressful situations (59%). Likewise, odors were the second most frequent worsening factor (73%), just behind excessive light (74%). Thirty-three individuals (33.4%) stated that odors were both triggering and worsening factors for their migraine attacks. Perfume, cigarette smoke and cleaning products were the most frequent migraine-related odors reported by these male migraineurs.

Conclusion: This was the first study to assess the role of odors in migraine exclusively in men. There was a high degree of odor-related migraine among these men, thus suggesting that patient education could alert such individuals to gender-related factors, since different triggering and worsening factors have been reported by males and females.