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Migraines drive doubling of neurological conditions estimate
New figures suggest millions more people may be suffering than previously realised, as migraines go ‘under-recognised and undertreated’.
Many more people than previously thought may be living with debilitating migraines without seeking appropriate healthcare.
More than two million people may be living with undiagnosed migraines nationwide, according to a revised figure published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) on Monday.
In an update to its estimate of people living with neurological conditions, the AIHW puts the figure at 4.5 million Australians in 2025, more than double the 2.2 million people in its previous assessment and the equivalent to around one in every six of the population.
People with migraines account for almost 90% of the revised estimate, around 3.9 million Australians.
A spokesperson for the AIHW said previous migraine prevalence was based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2022 National Health Survey, which only included people with a diagnosis.
They said work conducted since, in collaboration with the Social Research Centre, looked to incorporate people without a diagnosis who may not be aware they are living with the condition.
It means that almost two-thirds of those thought to be living with the condition could be undiagnosed, the equivalent of around 2.5 million people.
Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Pain Management Dr Adele Stewart told newsGP she is ‘not particularly surprised by the revised statistics’.
The condition is ‘often under-recognised and undertreated’, she said, adding that GPs are ideally placed to play a central role in its management.
‘We see patients across the lifespan and can take a broader view of the factors that may be contributing to migraine frequency and severity, while also identifying when preventive or specialist treatment is needed.’
Beyond medication, Dr Stewart said regular sleep, exercise and meals, adequate hydration and diet can all be important.
‘Stress reduction is particularly relevant, as stress and changes in stress levels can contribute to migraine for many people,’ she said.
‘Helping patients understand the relationship between their nervous system, lifestyle, stress and migraine, and supporting practical, sustainable changes rather than simply advising them to avoid a long list of potential triggers, is an important part of the GP’s role.’
Brain Foundation Chief Executive Beata Roman said the revised AIHW estimate is ‘an important acknowledgement of migraine’s national burden’, but that ‘health policy, diagnosis and access to treatment must now catch up’.
‘Recognition of the true scale of migraine must now be matched by action to improve care and equitable access to evidence-based treatments,’ she said.
Migraines affect more women than men and are most prevalent among those aged 25–55 years.
The AIHW notes that while its recent work indicates the new figure is a better estimate, ‘it is still an estimate’ and that needs to be done to establish a more accurate prevalence.
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