The Impact of Migraines in the UK

· People first organisations,Health and wellbeing

"A Migraine? We all get headaches - I mean come on, get on with it!"

Heard anything like this before? Hopefully not, but possibly yes or more than once if you live with migraines.

Fact: Migraines are a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting millions of people in the UK.

As someone who lives with migraines which have worsened during peri-menopause as well as having grown up with migraines significantly impacting two generations of women in my family (and possibly further back in the generational line) I understand how debilitating they can be also how hit and miss the support and treatment can be.

I remember in the late 1970’s going with my grandmother from our small village to Bridlington, while she had acupuncture to help relieve some of the symptoms, then for decades seeing my mother pushing herself to continue to work during prolonged episodes of chronic migraines that lasted weeks.

The 23rd to 29th September is Migraine Awareness week, in this article, I wanted to explore the impact that migraines have on individuals and society, drawing on recent research and statistics. This article is designed to raise awareness and stimulate conversation around the topic, it by no means draws conclusions, possibly it raises more questions than answers - yet that itself helps raise awareness too.

Prevalence

Migraines affect approximately 10 million people in the UK, which is about 15-23% of the adult population (1).

This condition is more commonly diagnosed in women than men, and it significantly impacts working-age individuals (2).

Despite its high prevalence, there remains a lack of comprehensive data on the characteristics of those affected, highlighting the need for further research (2).

Health and Wellbeing

Migraines can severely reduce the quality of life for sufferers. Individuals report experiencing pain, nausea, and visual disturbances, which can lead to reduced health and wellbeing (1). The condition also affects family members and relationships, as sufferers often struggle to participate in household and social activities (1).

Economic Impact

The economic “burden” (as it is known) of migraines in the UK is substantial. It is estimated that migraines cost the NHS around £1 billion per year, primarily due to GP visits and medication (1).

Additionally, migraines lead to significant productivity losses, with estimates suggesting that the condition costs the UK economy between £6 billion and £10 billion annually (1).

Workplace Challenges

Migraines also pose challenges in the workplace. Research by the National Migraine Centre indicates that more than 50% of individuals with chronic migraines feel unsupported by their employers (3).

Furthermore, 25% of sufferers have had to change careers due to their condition (3).

This lack of support can exacerbate the impact of migraines, leading to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity.

Employers can play a crucial role in supporting employees who suffer from migraines. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Flexible Work Arrangements

Remote Work: Allowing employees to work from home can help them manage their symptoms in a comfortable environment.

Flexible Hours: Offering flexible working hours can enable employees to work during their most productive times and rest when needed.

2. Workplace Adjustments

Quiet Spaces: Providing quiet, dimly lit areas where employees can rest during a migraine attack can be very helpful.

Ergonomic Workstations: Ensuring that workstations are ergonomically designed can reduce physical strain that might trigger migraines.

3. Health and Wellness Programs

Access to Healthcare: Providing comprehensive health insurance that covers migraine treatments and consultations with specialists.

Wellness Initiatives: Offering programs that promote overall health, such as stress management workshops, yoga, and mindfulness sessions.

4. Education and Awareness

Training for Managers: Educating managers about migraines and how to support affected employees can foster a more understanding and accommodating work environment.

Awareness Campaigns: Running awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage open discussions about migraines.

5. Reasonable Accommodations

Adjustable Lighting: Allowing employees to control the lighting at their workstations can help reduce migraine triggers.

Breaks: Encouraging regular breaks to prevent prolonged exposure to screens and reduce eye strain.

6. Supportive Policies

Sick Leave: Ensuring that sick leave policies are flexible and supportive of employees who need time off due to migraines.

Return-to-Work Plans: Developing individualised return-to-work plans for employees recovering from severe migraine episodes.

By implementing these strategies, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for employees with migraines. This not only helps the affected individuals but also enhances overall workplace productivity and morale.

Migraines are a significant public health issue in the UK, affecting millions of individuals and imposing a considerable economic burden.

There is a pressing need for increased awareness, better support systems, and more comprehensive research to address the gaps in knowledge and improve the lives of those affected by migraines.

[A separate note here on language - I use the term "suffers / sufferers" here not to show judgement, but from first hand experience.]


References:

1: State of the Migraine Nation - Impact Review

2: State of the Migraine Nation - Population Review

3: National Migraine Centre - Migraine at Work

 

If you have any personal experiences or additional insights on this topic, feel free to add your comments below.

We will revisit this topic during the week looking at common triggers and places to access support if you are living with migraines.