A UK survey reveals that migraine care quality varies by ethnicity, with minority groups experiencing worse treatment and higher fear of discrimination.
Migraines involve intense headaches plus symptoms like dizziness, numbness, and vision changes. In the UK, around one in seven people are affected.
The Migraine Trust conducted a representative survey of 2,200 adults. It found that 23% of mixed-ethnicity respondents, 19% of Asian respondents, and 16% of Black respondents reported that their ethnicity had negatively influenced their care, citing poorer treatment and even experiences of racism. In contrast, only 7% of White respondents reported similar effects.
Black respondents were more likely to fear discrimination or adverse career impacts due to migraines (37%) compared with 26% of White respondents. Similarly, 19% of Asian respondents and 14% of Black respondents worried they would not be believed about their migraines, versus 8% of White respondents.
Abigail Kabirou, 26, described how her ethnicity shaped her care. “As a Black woman, the stereotype that we can tolerate more pain deeply affected the care I received. Migraine is already hard enough to explain; there shouldn’t be extra barriers like gender or skin color making it harder.”
Rob Music, chief executive of the Migraine Trust, stated that persistent care inequities cannot continue. He noted that many people avoid seeking help or discussing migraines for fear of social penalties such as job loss and stereotyping. For some, migraine adds another layer of inequality, with gender, ethnicity, and social class all influencing treatment or expectations.
Music emphasized the need for action across all levels of society so that people with migraines feel understood, safe, and heard.
The study also showed that among all migraine sufferers, 91% had consulted a health professional. Yet many reported misdiagnosis, dismissal, or inadequate treatment. Examples included women being told migraines were hormonal or merely part of being a woman, and younger people feeling dismissed as exaggerating or seeking attention.
Georgina Carr, chief executive of the Neurological Alliance, commented that the report exposes how migraine care is not experienced equally. She asserted that gender, ethnicity, or income should not determine whether someone is believed, supported, or can access necessary care—and that many people with migraine still face these barriers.
Carr urged urgent action from employers, healthcare leaders, and policymakers to close these gaps. She argued that addressing the inequities highlighted in the report is essential to improving neurological care and ensuring no one is left behind.
An NHS spokesperson stated that all patients deserve high-quality care, regardless of background, ethnicity, or gender, and that everyone’s concerns should be listened to. The NHS encourages anyone affected by migraines to contact their local GP, noting that multiple treatment options are available on the NHS.
