Epidemiological surveys show that migraine is global, although not so
far reported in Eskimos. Where studied, countries show the usual age v
ariations, but adult national prevalence figures range between 2 and 3
5%, indicating that data-gathering methods need scrutiny. National and
religious lifestyles affect eating at different times, in varying qua
ntities and types of food; the drinking of alcohol and non-alcoholic f
luids, as well as climate may also affect migraine. More questions tha
n answers are raised to stimulate thinking, observations, and further
research. Knowledge can derive from seeking and studying differences,
contradictions, and questioning current beliefs. Can national lifestyl
es influence migraine and what can we learn from such variations?