A new Migraine Trust survey of 2,200 people shows that ethnic minority patients in the UK receive poorer migraine care and are more likely to fear discrimination. Nearly a quarter of mixed-ethnicity respondents, 19% of Asian respondents and 16% of Black respondents said their ethnicity negatively affected their treatment, compared with just 7% of white respondents.
Black respondents were also far more likely to worry about career impact or discrimination, and many feared they would not be believed about their symptoms. One respondent described how stereotypes about Black people tolerating more pain led to inadequate care.
The charity’s chief executive, Rob Music, said inequalities tied to ethnicity, gender and social class “cannot be continued.” Many participants reported being misdiagnosed or dismissed by healthcare professionals—for example, women told their migraines were “just hormonal” or young people accused of exaggerating.
Neurological Alliance chief executive Georgina Carr said the findings reflect broader inequities across neurological care and called for urgent action from employers, health leaders and policymakers.
The NHS said all patients should feel heard and have access to quality care, and encouraged anyone with migraines to seek help from their GP.
