A new survey by the Migraine Trust has revealed significant inequalities in migraine care across the UK, with people from ethnic minority backgrounds reporting poorer treatment and greater fear of 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 workplace discrimination (37%) and to worry about not being believed when reporting symptoms.
Some described experiencing racial stereotypes, such as assumptions that they could tolerate more pain. The Migraine Trust said such inequities were unacceptable and called for action across society to ensure people with migraines “feel understood, safe and heard.”
The report also highlighted broader failings in migraine treatment: misdiagnoses, dismissals, and gender-based assumptions were commonly reported. Neurological Alliance chief executive Georgina Carr said the findings reflected widespread issues across neurological care, where many feel unsupported and unheard.
The NHS responded that all patients deserve high-quality, unbiased care and encouraged anyone suffering from migraines to seek support, emphasising that effective treatments are available.
