New Australian data shows migraine affects nearly 4 million people, double previous estimate

A fresh analysis by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that nearly 4 million Australians experience long-term migraine, representing about 15 percent of the population—more than double the earlier estimate of 1.7 million. The jump stems from a shift in data collection, moving from survey-based reporting to applying global prevalence figures and assessing their relevance to Australia. The AIHW notes that roughly two-thirds of those affected may never receive a formal diagnosis.

Migraine Australia’s chair, Chloe Cefelli, welcomed the findings as validation and urged recognition of migraine as a serious disease comparable to diabetes. Neurological Alliance Australia’s Rohan Greenland called for parity in resources with other major disease groups. The report also highlighted that women are 1.6 times more likely than men to suffer migraine, especially between ages 25 and 55, and emphasized the need for workplace accommodations.