MIGRAINE AND WORK

Migraine attacks can have an adverse affect on the sufferers work and career. Migraine sufferers miss 1 to 3 days of work. It is estimated that 150 million work days are lost per year due to migraines.

A migraine is not just a headache. A migraine attack can produce nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, vision disturbance and an inability to concentrate. Women who suffer from migraines are often seen as weak, emotional or unable to handle stress. Because the symptoms are not readily apparent, the pain may not be taken seriously. It is often seen as an excuse to avoid work. As a result migraine sufferers resort to distraction to ignore the pain and fail to disclose their condition to employers.

What can these people do to cope with this condition and not compromise their job? Begin by acknowledging the condition and asking for support. Know what your triggers are and do what you can to minimize these things.

• Change florescent lighting if it is a trigger
• Ask for a window if possible
• Ask for a smoke free, perfume free environment
• Protect yourself from loud or constant noise
• Take frequent breaks from computer screens and stressful activities
• Choose jobs which present less stress
• Take advantage of flex scheduling if possible
• Save the less taxing, more routine tasks for days with low grade migraines
• Work from home full- time or only on "down" days

Accept that you have an illness. Migraines do not have to control your life, but you do need to concede their presence. Acknowledge your condition to those you work for and with. Explain the effect that migraines have on you. Do not ask or look for sympathy, only support and understanding. Make it clear that you accept responsibility for your illness and that you are not looking for reduced duties or responsibility.