Migraine affects millions of people worldwide, yet it is still frequently under-recognised and undertreated. A new Australian study, co-authored by our very own, Dr Nicole Limberg and published in The Journal of Headache and Pain, sheds light on how migraine is diagnosed and managed in general practice—and where improvements can be made.

What the Research Found
The study analysed 14 years of de-identified health records from more than 3.4 million patients attending Australian general practices, making it one of the largest studies of migraine care in Australia.

Some of the key findings included:

  • Migraine appears to be underdiagnosed. Fewer than 1% of patients had a recorded migraine diagnosis, despite migraine affecting an estimated 15% of Australians during their lifetime.

  • Mental health conditions are common. People with migraine were much more likely to also have anxiety or depression.

  • Migraine-specific treatments may be underused. Opioids were prescribed more often than expected, while migraine-specific medications such as triptans appeared to be used less frequently.

  • Neck pain may contribute to delayed diagnosis. Many patients were referred to physiotherapists, highlighting that neck pain—a common symptom of migraine—can sometimes be mistaken as the cause rather than part of the migraine itself.

Why It Matters
Migraine is much more than a headache. It is a complex neurological condition that can significantly affect work, family life, and overall wellbeing.

Earlier diagnosis and evidence-based treatment can help people better manage their symptoms, reduce disability, and improve quality of life.

This important Australian research highlights the need for greater awareness of migraine among both healthcare professionals and the community, helping ensure more people receive timely diagnosis and appropriate care.

Click here to read the full research paper