Epidemiology

Migraine is very common, affecting an estimated 1.16 billion people worldwide in 2021.[5]​ It is one of the most disabling neurological disorders.[5]

US National Health Interview Survey data from 2018 suggest that migraine affects around 1 in 6 people (15.9% total prevalence; 21.0% female, 10.7% male) over a 3-month period.[6] Chronic migraine prevalence is estimated at 0.91%.[7]​ Prevalence of migraine or severe headache was reported to be higher in American-Indians and Alaska Natives (22.1%) than in black and African American people (15.6%), and white people (16.3%), with the lowest prevalence in Asian-Americans (9.1%).[6] A higher migraine burden was reported in people aged 18 to 44 years, people who were unemployed, and people with a lower household income.[6] 

The highest migraine prevalence is reported in Western Europe, Australasia, and parts of the Americas, North Africa, and South Asia, but reliable data are not available for many countries.[8] In one study, the proportion of adults in Europe reporting migraine was 14%.[9] The estimated 1-year prevalence of migraine among adults in China, Japan, and South Korea ranged from 6% to 14%, but levels of disease awareness and diagnosis were low.[10]

Before puberty, migraine prevalence is higher in boys than in girls, but following adolescence it becomes more common in women of all ages. Migraine is around three times more prevalent among women than men, with young and middle-aged women particularly affected.[8][11]​​ Prevalence declines with age in both sexes.[12]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer