Why Are You Unable to Work Due to Migraines?

According to MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association, people with migraines ("migraineurs") often are misunderstood by the general public, including employers. MAGNUM also says migraines are the cause of employees calling in sick 150 million days annually.

Symptoms

• The Mayo Clinic reports that common migraine symptoms not only include severe head pain, but dizziness, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

Significance

• These migraine symptoms worsen when the migraineur moves. Often the only way to recover is to lie down in a dark, quiet room.

Time Frame

• Each migraine attack lasts a different length of time. Therefore, it is impossible for an employee to accurately predict how long the attack will last.

Communication

• Migraines For Dummies (Diane Stafford and Jennifer Shoquist, MD; 2003) recommends that employees let their employers know they have migraines, avoid getting overly upset with doubtful coworkers and to share with their employers about their migraine treatments.

Famous Ties

• During her Rock Witchu tour, Janet Jackson was diagnosed with vestibular migraines, which cause extreme dizziness and head pain. She was able to continue the tour a month later.