A new survey by the Migraine Trust has revealed significant inequalities in migraine care across the UK, with people from ethnic minority backgrounds more likely to receive poorer treatment and fear 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. Many cited racism, dismissal of symptoms, or assumptions about pain tolerance. Black respondents were also far more likely to fear workplace discrimination or not being believed about their migraines.
One respondent, Abigail Kabirou, said stereotypes about Black women tolerating more pain led to inadequate care. The Migraine Trust and Neurological Alliance condemned the inequities, calling for urgent action across healthcare and workplaces to ensure people feel “understood, safe and heard.”
Although 91% of migraine sufferers had consulted a health professional, many reported misdiagnosis or being dismissed—women often told symptoms were “hormonal,” and younger people accused of exaggerating.
The NHS said all patients should receive high-quality, equitable care and encouraged anyone struggling with migraines to seek support from their GP.
