Australia revises migraine prevalence estimate — ABC News Australia
In Australia, the updated estimate of the number of people living with migraine has more than doubled — to nearly 4 million people, or about 15% of the population. This is approximately one in seven residents of the country, ABC News Australia reports.
The previous estimate was about 7% of the population, or roughly 1.7 million people. The sharp increase is linked to a change in the data-counting methodology.
A new approach to estimation
Previous data were based on surveys of people who self-reported migraine. In the new analysis, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) used global indicators, assessed their reliability and applied them to Australia's population.
The AIHW noted that the updated methodology also takes into account people who may be living with migraine without a diagnosis. According to the institute's estimate, about two-thirds of people with migraine may not have received a formal diagnosis.
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Migraine is the most common neurological condition in Australia. Women live with it 1.6 times more often than men, and migraine prevalence is higher among people aged 25 to 55.
Calls for additional resources
Chloe Cefelli, chair of Migraine Australia, said the new data provide grounds for broader recognition of migraine as a disease rather than reducing it solely to a headache. She expressed hope that the report would help remove barriers and return people to work and everyday life.
The overall estimate of the number of Australians with neurological conditions, including migraine, dementia and epilepsy, rose from 2.2 million to 4.5 million. According to the AIHW, these conditions were the fifth leading cause of disease burden in the country. Roanne Greenland, chair of Neurological Alliance Australia, called for more funding for data collection, research, prevention, early detection and addressing fragmented healthcare.
