Migraines: Health Services
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of regional variation in access to migraine diagnosis and treatment in England; and what steps he is taking to reduce inequalities in access to migraine treatment.
Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson
The Government recognises the significant impact that migraine can have on individuals’ quality of life and is committed to improving care and outcomes for people living with this condition.
Responsibility for the planning and commissioning of headache and migraine services rests with integrated care boards, which are best placed to understand and meet the needs of their local populations. To support consistent, high-quality care, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has published clear, evidence-based guidance on the diagnosis and management of headaches, including migraine, which clinicians are expected to take into account.
At a national level, NHS England is working to improve neurology services, including for headache disorders, through programmes such as Getting It Right First Time and RightCare. These initiatives support earlier diagnosis, more effective management in primary care, and better access to specialist services where needed, helping to reduce variation and improve patient outcomes.
The Government will continue to work with NHS England, clinicians, and stakeholders to support improvements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of migraine across England.
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