Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase (a) research into and (b) awareness of migraines and migraine prevention.

The Department funds research on health and social care through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR spent £40.3 million on neurological research in 2020/21, which includes research on migraines. While it is not usual practice to ring-fence funding for particular topics or conditions, the NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including migraines.

Guidance is available to patients, health care professionals and commissioners on the diagnosis, prevention and management of migraines. This includes guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the RightCare Headache and Migraines Toolkit. The RightCare toolkit should be used by local clinical commissioning groups to ensure that patients are supported effectively. In addition, the National Neurosciences Advisory Group is currently revising its headache and facial pain optimal clinical pathway.