While many people think of migraine attacks as little more than bad headaches, migraine is in fact a chronic condition whose symptoms can be far more debilitating than an ordinary headache. Migraine attacks are often accompanied by intense pain, difficulty thinking, changes in vision, dizziness, nausea, and increased sensitivity to light, noise, and smells. Furthermore, research has shown that migraine is among the most disabling disorders in terms of its long-term impact on quality of life, and it is extremely prevalent: 47 million Americans and over a billion people worldwide suffer from migraine, with attacks peaking during the most productive professional years (25-55 years old).
Migraines Are a Serious Problem. Employers Can Help.
Three research-backed strategies to raise awareness and support employees.
February 24, 2021
Illustration by Ricardo Tomás/Source image:
DE AGOSTINI PICTURE LIBRARY/Getty Images
Summary.
Research has shown that migraine — a chronic condition that causes debilitating headaches accompanied by difficulty thinking, changes in vision, nausea, light sensitivity, and other symptoms — affects more than a billion people around the world. Migraine is ubiquitous and highly disabling, making it a serious issue in terms of both human suffering and employee productivity. To begin to address this, the author conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and identified three strategies that have been shown to be effective for organizations looking to better support their employees and maximize productivity. These strategies include raising awareness through education programs, providing employees with tools for migraine management, and making changes to the working environment that expand access to existing health resources and reduce migraine attack triggers.