New figures reveal larger number of Australians living with migraine
23 Sep 2026
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) now estimates that 4.5 million Australians were living with neurological conditions in 2025. This is more than twice its previous estimate of 2.2 million and represents about one in six Australians.
Migraines make up almost 90% of the updated estimate, with around 3.9 million Australians thought to be affected.
The AIHW said its earlier estimate of migraine prevalence was based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2022 National Health Survey, which counted people who had received a diagnosis.
More recent work with the Social Research Centre aimed to include people who may have migraine without knowing they have the condition.
The updated figures suggest that around 2.5 million people with migraine may be undiagnosed.
Dr Adele Stewart, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Pain Management, said the revised figures were not unexpected and described migraine as a condition that is often not recognised or adequately treated.
She said GPs are well placed to support people with migraine because they can consider factors that may affect how often and how severely symptoms occur, while also identifying patients who may need preventive or specialist treatment.
Dr Stewart said migraine management can also involve regular sleep, exercise and meals, adequate hydration and appropriate dietary habits.
She highlighted stress management as another important consideration, as changes in stress levels can contribute to migraine for some people.
Brain Foundation Chief Executive Beata Roman said the updated AIHW estimate highlights the significant impact of migraine across Australia.
She said greater recognition of the condition should be followed by improved diagnosis, care and access to evidence-based treatment.
Migraine affects more women than men and is most common among people aged 25–55 years.
The AIHW said its latest work provides a better estimate of migraine prevalence, but stressed that the figure remains an estimate and further work is needed to determine the condition's prevalence more accurately.
New figures reveal larger number of Australians living with migraine
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).