Number of people with migraine doubles after years of undercounting

Australian authorities have revised their estimates of the number of people living with migraine, revealing a staggering doubling of cases to approximately four million. This increased number is more than double the previous estimate of roughly seven percent, or about 1.7 million Australians. The change in figures stems from a shift in how the chronic disease is recorded, incorporating more comprehensive global data into the AIHW's assessment of prevalence in Australia.

Experts stress that these revised statistics underscore the chronic disease's under-reporting for years and call for heightened action and investment in neurological conditions. Michelle Irving, a migraine sufferer since childhood, recalls a harrowing experience where she experienced intense symptoms, misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease due to perimenopause.

After months of bed rest and medical intervention, she gradually recovered and returned to work. The new figures show that nearly 15 percent of the population, or one in seven people, live with long-term migraine, a prevalence nearly double the previous estimate. While women are 1.6 times more likely than men to experience migraine, the condition is more prevalent in individuals aged between 25 and 55 years.

Neurological Alliance Australia chair Rohan Greenland emphasizes that these accurate figures should be presented to governments, as neurological conditions, including migraine, are the fifth leading cause of disease burden in Australia. Greenland argues that these conditions require additional resources for data collection, fragmented care, prevention, early detection, and research.

Migraine advocate Chloe Cefelli hopes that the report will pave the way for action and create awareness about the condition, enabling people to regain their lives and return to the workforce without hindrance.