Debilitating migraines are a serious headache for the economy as well as those with the chronic health condition, and advocates are hoping to raise awareness.

With June marking Migraine Awareness Month, advocates are calling for more help for the one in five Australians with the chronic health condition.

Migraine Australia spokeswoman Raphaella Crosby wants the federal government to take migraines more seriously.

"We need migraine to be a national priority so we can get the tools we need to get on with the job of managing our condition," Ms Crosby said.

Her organisation is hoping to use June to drum up awareness about the impacts of the condition.

"Migraine is a serious, genetic, spectrum disorder, the biggest cause of disability in people under 50, and a massive burden on our economy and health system," Ms Crosby said.

A Deloitte Access Economics report found migraines cost the Australian economy nearly $36 billion a year in health costs and lost productivity.

The chronic condition affects nearly five million Australians, with almost three-quarters of them women.

Symptoms include throbbing headaches, nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound and smells.

A Change.org petition has been launched to spur parliament into action.

Ms Crosby said marriages fell apart, people lost jobs and parents were unable to look after their kids before their debilitating pain was taken seriously.

"We can do better," Ms Crosby said.

She said the government had already dismissed calls for a national inquiry into the issue and for a question on migraines to be included in the next census.

Migraine Australia also wants treatment drugs added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme but this has been rejected.