Migraine patients face long wait for treatment on NHS

Waiting times for patients suffering from migraines have almost doubled in England, a report has revealed.

Those requiring specialist care for the ­condition must wait an average of 29 weeks, up from 15 weeks in 2021, it was claimed.

It has led a charity to call for the “debilitating and stigmatised” condition to be taken more seriously by clinicians.

The Migraine Trust said there should be greater awareness of the pathways that exist for managing the severe attacks, which can cause severe pain, nausea, confusion and blurred vision.

It warned the condition should not be misunderstood as “just a headache”.

READ MORE Food and drinks to avoid if you suffer from migraines – doctor’s advice

The increase in waiting times for patients requiring specialist care was revealed through data obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request by the Migraine Trust.

Robert Music, chief executive of the charity, said: “Not only are patients struggling, but poor management of migraine is putting unnecessary additional strain on an already struggling NHS.

“We are seeing rising A&E admissions for migraine. There is a shortage of GPs specialising in headache to meet the need that we know exists, and a broad lack of understanding of the condition, meaning patients are not being treated in the right place or at the right time, if at all.”

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison resigned from the role earlier this month due to her battle with chronic migraine.

The Tory MP said: “Migraine affects so many people in the UK and yet awareness of what it really is remains painfully limited.

“No, it is not just a headache. It is a complex condition that can greatly impact individuals and their families every single day.”

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