A Review of Underserved and Vulnerable Populations in Headache Medicine in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities

Purpose of Review This review will briefly summarize recent literature published on headache disparities in underserved and vulnerable populations. It will also report the personal observations of headache medicine providers working with underserved and vulnerable populations in the USA, specifically in an urban practice dedicated to patients in a safety net program and a rural practice dedicated to Native American patients. Recent Findings Headache disorders are recognized as one of the most prevalent neurological conditions. People with headache and migraine encounter several barriers to obtaining appropriate care, which are magnified in vulnerable and underserved populations. Research has shown disparities in headache and migraine diagnosis, prevalence rates, treatment, and outcomes based on race, socioeconomic status, and geography. Summary Continued research regarding disparities in headache medicine is required. Strategies to address the identified challenges, including structural competence and the underrepresented in medicine pipeline, are reviewed.