THE EFFECT OF NATIONAL LIFE-STYLES

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?