Sex and Gender Considerations in Episodic Migraine.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We seek to update readers on recent advances in our understanding of sex and gender in episodic migraine with a two part series. In part 1, we examine migraine epidemiology in the context of sex and gender, differences in symptomatology, and the influence of sex hormones on migraine pathophysiology (including CGRP). In part 2, we focus on practical clinical considerations for sex and gender in episodic migraine by addressing menstrual migraine and the controversial topic of hormone-containing therapies. We make note of data applicable to gender minority populations, when available, and summarize knowledge on gender affirming hormone therapy and migraine management in transgender individuals. Finally, we briefly address health disparities, socioeconomic considerations, and research bias. RECENT FINDINGS: Migraine is known to be more prevalent, frequent, and disabling in women. There are also differences in migraine co-morbidities and symptomatology. For instance, women are likely to experience more migraine associated symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. Migraine pathophysiology is influenced by sex hormones, e.g., estrogen withdrawal as a known trigger for migraine. Other hormones such as progesterone and testosterone are less well studied. Relationships between CGRP (the target of new acute and preventive migraine treatments) and sex hormones have been established with both animal and human model studies. The natural course of migraine throughout the lifetime suggests a contribution from hormonal changes, from puberty to pregnancy to menopause/post-menopause. Treatment of menstrual migraine and the use of hormone-containing therapies remains controversial. Re-evaluation of the data reveals that stroke risk is an estrogen dose- and aura frequency-dependent phenomenon. There are limited data on episodic migraine in gender minorities. Gender affirming hormone therapy may be associated with a change in migraine and unique risks (including ischemic stroke with high dose estrogen). There are key differences in migraine epidemiology and symptomatology, thought to be driven at least in part by sex hormones which influence migraine pathophysiology and the natural course of migraine throughout the lifetime. More effective and specific treatments for menstrual migraine are needed. A careful examination of the data on estrogen and stroke risk suggests a nuanced approach to the issue of estrogen-containing contraception and hormone replacement therapy is warranted. Our understanding of sex and gender is evolving, with limited but growing research on the relationship between gender affirming therapy and migraine, and treatment considerations for transgender people with migraine.

Are You Really the Doctor? Physician Experiences with Gendered Microaggressions from Patients.

Background: In contrast to physician implicit bias toward patients, bias and microaggressions from patients toward physicians have received comparatively less attention. Materials and Methods: We captured physician experiences of gendered microaggressions from patients by conducting a mixed-methods survey-based study of physicians at a single academic health care institution in May 2019. A quantitative portion assessed the frequency of gendered microaggressions (microaggression experiences [ME] score) and the association with measures of perceived impacts (job satisfaction, burnout, perceived career impacts, behavioral modifications). A one-tailed Wilcoxon rank sum test compared distributional frequencies of microaggressions by gender, and by gender and race. Chi-square tests measured the associations between gendered microaggressions and perceived impacts. Welch two-sample t-tests assessed differences in ME scores by rank and specialty. Linear regression assessed the association of ME scores and job satisfaction/burnout. A qualitative portion solicited anecdotal experiences, analyzed by inductive thematic analysis. Results: There were 297 completed surveys (response rate 27%). Female physicians experienced a significantly higher frequency of gendered microaggressions (p < 0.001) compared with male physicians. Microaggressions were significantly associated with job satisfaction (chi-square 6.83, p = 0.009), burnout (chi-square 8.76, p = 0.003), perceived career impacts (chi-square 18.67, p < 0.001), and behavioral modifications (chi-square 19.96, p < 0.001). Trainees experienced more microaggressions (p = 0.009) and burnout (p = 0.009) than faculty. Higher ME scores predicted statistically significant increases in burnout (p < 0.0001) and reduced job satisfaction (p = 0.02). Twelve microaggressions themes emerged from the qualitative responses, including role questioning and assumption of inexperience. The frequency of microaggressions did not vary significantly by race; however, qualitative responses described race as a factor. Conclusions: Physicians experience gendered microaggressions from patients, which may influence job satisfaction, burnout, career perceptions, and behavior. Future research may explore the multidirectionality of microaggressions and tools for responding at the individual and institutional level.

Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

Advances in ophthalmic diagnostics and results of interventional clinical trials are shifting diagnosis and management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) to be more technology- and evidence-based. In this article, the evidence supporting current diagnostic criteria, evaluation, and medical and surgical management of IIH are reviewed.

Cancer of the ampulla of vater: current evaluation and therapy.

Ampullary cancer is a relatively rare cancer of the digestive tract. In contrast to pancreatic cancer, ampullary cancer is often curable if detected at an early stage. The evaluation and management of ampullary cancer is similar to, but distinct from, that of other pancreaticobiliary tumors. This manuscript will review the current evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy of patients with ampullary cancer. The diagnosis of ampullary cancer is complicated by its similar clinical presentation to pancreatic cancer as well as its nonspecific laboratory findings. Diagnostic modalities such as ERCP, EUS, and biopsy are necessary for differentiating the 2 cancers, and noninvasive imaging techniques such as MRI and CT may be used for tumor staging. Although pancreaticoduodenectomy is considered the primary curative surgical option, consensus guidelines regarding adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapies are lacking.