Extreme light sensitivity, throbbing pains, and even difficulty speaking − are all typical symptoms of migraine headaches. According to the World Health Organization, at least half of adults have had at least one headache within the last year, and about 30% have had what could be classified as migraines. As for about 2–4% percent of the world, migraines are both a painful and often debilitating chronic disease.
Migraines are headaches varying in intensity that can last for a few hours up to a few days. Some people might experience auras during attacks, which are temporary symptoms of the nervous system like vision loss or trouble speaking that usually subside after no more than an hour. The cause of migraines is unknown, though experts link possible causes to genetics and environmental factors.
Chronic migraines and headache disorders impose significant barriers for those suffering from them, including lowered quality of life, financial strains, and anxiety or fear of the next attack.
Navigating through a migraine is hard enough, but for millions who experience frequent attacks, it’s a feat they must overcome during work hours. Harvard reports that of the 47 million people in the United States who suffer migraines, most experience them during their most productive professional years (25-55 years old). Here are a few ways employers accommodate those experiencing migraines and where they can improve.
Individualized care
Chronic migraines and headache disorders are invisible diseases, meaning it is hard to know someone is suffering without their disclosure. Employees with migraines may also be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on a case-by-case basis—but only if employees inform employers. Since only 39 percent of people with invisible diseases share such information with their managers, it’s unlikely all migraines are accommodated. As for the migraine sufferers who do share, there are a few ways employers might meet their needs.
Frequently, accommodations require a clear understanding of how migraines affect particular individuals. For example, not all migraine sufferers experience nausea. Others may experience an aura that temporarily stops their sight or hearing, forcing the employee to stop working for up to one hour.
Responding to triggers
Some people with migraines have particular triggers for an attack. These triggers can include weather changes, certain foods, additives within foods, and stress. Sensitivity to harsh lighting, also known as photophobia, is also a common trigger. Employers can place filters over fluorescent lights to reduce their intensity. This can help prevent migraines for employees most affected by photophobia.
Additionally, strong smells and sounds can cause significant issues for migraine sufferers. The American Migraine Foundation gives a great example of solving the problem of harsh noise. A member of the workplace initiative, Move Against Migraine, shared that an alarm near her desk routinely went off, leading to frequent migraines. After notifying her employer, she was moved to a different section of the office where the noise wasn’t quite as prevalent, lessening her attacks.
Assessing the stress
Stress is one of the primary triggers for migraine sufferers and many people experiencing chronic illnesses. Stress can lead to migraines by negatively affecting other aspects of someone’s health, including eating habits, sleep, and general wellbeing. Employers can help reduce stress in several ways. Employees may either work from home or take brief time away from work when needed with flexible work hours and location options. Another accommodation might be offering discounted or free gym memberships, as exercise is proven to help reduce stress. A significant accommodation falls under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA allows employees with severe health conditions like migraines to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually. FMLA helps maintain an employee’s status and health insurance benefits while taking the time they need to recover.
Migraine education
One study found that educating employees on the risks of migraines with free programs and easy-to-access resources increased productivity by over 30 percent. In addition, after just six months in these programs, employers missed 25% fewer workdays, and there was a 10% increase in employees’ self-reported effectiveness on the job.
An added benefit to education in the office is that co-workers without migraines learn to understand their severity. This helps reduce the stigma for employees suffering from migraines and encourages them to embrace accommodations without fear of judgment.
Migraines and headache disorders affect over one billion people worldwide and are a serious public health concern. The World Health Organization cites lack of knowledge among healthcare providers as the principal barrier to its under-treatment and lack of recognition globally. Education starting in the workplace can help individuals and later organizations and governments better advocate for migraine awareness.
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