A new survey by the Migraine Trust shows that people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK are more likely to receive poorer migraine care and to fear discrimination. Migraines affect about one in seven people in the country.
Among 2,200 respondents, 23% of mixed-ethnicity, 19% of Asian, and 16% of Black participants said their ethnicity had negatively affected their care, compared with just 7% of white respondents. Black respondents were also more likely to fear discrimination or career impacts due to migraines.
Many reported being dismissed or misdiagnosed, with stereotypes—such as assumptions about pain tolerance—affecting treatment. The charity says the findings highlight serious inequalities in healthcare access and quality.
Leaders from the Migraine Trust and the Neurological Alliance called for urgent action from employers, healthcare providers and policymakers to ensure fair treatment for all patients. The NHS said everyone should have access to high-quality care and encouraged people with migraines to seek support from their GP.
