Migraine is more common in people who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual compared to people who are heterosexual, a US study has found.

In a survey of nearly 10,000 Californians, researchers classified people according to sexual orientation as being exclusively heterosexual (n = 8426, 86%), mostly heterosexual (n = 1062 10%), or lesbian, gay, or bisexual (n = 406 4%).

Survey participants were asked if they had migraine without aura, as defined according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition diagnostic criteria:

“Have you ever had five or more headaches that were at least four hours long; one-sided, pulsating, intense, or worsened by activity; and associated with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light or sound?”

The findings, published in JAMA Neurology, showed that prevalence of migraine was higher among people who reported being lesbian, gay, or bisexual (n = 112, 31%) and mostly  heterosexual (n = 327, 30%) compared with those who reported being exclusively heterosexual (n = 1631, 19%).

This translated into a 58% higher odds for migraine in those who were lesbian, gay, or bisexual (adjusted odds ratio, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.17-2.14]; P = 0.003) compared with individuals who were exclusively heterosexual. For people who reported being mostly heterosexual the adjusted odds ratio was 1.35 [95% CI, 1.10-1.65]; P = 0.004.

Nearly a third of #lesbian, #gay, or #bisexual adults experience migraine; 58% higher odds than heterosexual individuals 🏳️‍🌈

New @Add_Health @UCSF study in @JAMANeuro with @kyletganson @jenni_tabler @AJBlashill @DrStuartBMurray #LGBTQ #disparities 🌈 https://t.co/Zd05fez2dc pic.twitter.com/N15H4zg1ag

— Jason Nagata (@jasonmnagata) September 28, 2020

The study authors, led by Assistant professor Jason Nagata of the Department of Pediatrics, University of California, said there had been very little research into migraine prevalence and sexual orientation.

“Many members of sexual minority groups experience prejudice, stigma, and discrimination termed sexual minority stress, which could trigger or exacerbate migraine,” they wrote.

Furthermore, members of sexual minority groups may encounter barriers to health care and experience greater physical and mental health problems, which could contribute to migraine.

“Clinicians and researchers should be aware of health disparities in migraine, including sexual orientation, in addition to biological and behavioural risk factors,” they concluded.