A new Migraine Trust survey of 2,200 people has found that ethnic minority patients in the UK are more likely to receive poorer migraine care and face discrimination.
While migraines affect about one in seven people, 23% of mixed-ethnicity respondents, 19% of Asian respondents and 16% of Black respondents 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% vs 26% for white respondents) and to worry they would not be believed about their symptoms.
Some patients described stereotypes affecting their treatment. Black respondents in particular reported assumptions that they could “tolerate more pain.”
Charities say the findings reveal deep inequalities. The Migraine Trust’s CEO, Rob Music, said the situation “cannot be continued,” and called for action across healthcare and society to ensure people feel “understood, safe and heard.” The Neurological Alliance said the findings reflect broader problems across neurological care, where people are often dismissed or misdiagnosed.
Although 91% of all respondents had spoken to a health professional, many said they were dismissed or inadequately treated—for instance, women being told migraines were “just hormonal” or young people accused of exaggerating.
The NHS said all patients deserve high-quality, respectful care and encouraged people with migraines to seek support, noting that a range of treatments is available.
