Who does it affect?

Migraine is a common condition affecting around 10% of the UK population with an estimated six million people being affected. It is three times more common in women than in men. It can occur in childhood but the age group most affected is between 20-40 years. About one third of sufferers develop the condition in adolescence and around 70% of cases start before age 30 years. It affects around 4% of children, 6% of men and 18% of women.

In childhood it tends to start at a younger age in boys but there is little difference in overall incidence between boys and girls. From adolescence onwards the proportion of females affected increases. The commonest age of onset in childhood is 10 years of age.