A new Migraine Trust survey reveals that people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK are significantly more likely to receive poorer migraine care and to fear discrimination.
Among 2,200 respondents, 23% of mixed-ethnicity, 19% of Asian, and 16% of Black participants said their ethnicity negatively affected their treatment, compared with just 7% of white respondents. Black respondents were also more likely to worry that migraines could harm their careers or lead to discrimination.
Some said they feared not being believed: 19% of Asian and 14% of Black respondents shared this concern, compared with 8% of white respondents. One respondent, Abigail Kabirou, said stereotypes about Black women tolerating more pain reduced the quality of care she received.
The Migraine Trust and the Neurological Alliance called the findings unacceptable and urged action across healthcare, workplaces, and policymaking to eliminate inequalities. Many respondents reported being misdiagnosed or dismissed, with women and young people especially likely to have their symptoms minimised.
The NHS said all patients should receive high-quality care regardless of background and encouraged people with migraines to seek support from their GP.
