A new Migraine Trust survey has found significant inequalities in migraine care across the UK, with people from ethnic minority backgrounds far more likely to report poor treatment and discrimination.
Among 2,200 respondents, 23% of mixed-ethnicity, 19% of Asian, and 16% of Black participants said their ethnicity negatively affected their care, compared with just 7% of white respondents. Black respondents were also more likely to fear discrimination or career harm due to migraines, and many worried they would not be believed about their symptoms.
Some patients reported experiences shaped by stereotypes, including assumptions about pain tolerance. “There shouldn’t be extra barriers like gender or the colour of your skin,” said one Black respondent.
The Migraine Trust said the disparities are unacceptable and discourage people from seeking help. Many respondents across all backgrounds said they had been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or inadequately treated, with women often told their migraines were “just hormonal”.
Health organisations warned that gender, ethnicity, and income must not determine access to proper care, calling for urgent action from healthcare leaders, employers, and policymakers. The NHS said all patients should feel heard and supported and encouraged people with migraines to seek medical help, as multiple treatments are available.
