How Migraine Headaches Impact You

The Florida Headache Association refers to a headache as “the invisible handicap.” Many people agree with this description because migraines can negatively impact the well being of the patient just like other disabilities.

Emotional Impact

Migraines take an enormous toll on the quality of life of migraine sufferers. Misunderstanding and miscommunication about the pain that a patient is enduring can stress relationships with other people. Spouses that have never experienced a migraine may not understand the level of pain associated with the condition. Employers may also have a hard time accepting the loss in productivity from an employee suffering from a migraine attack. Because the majority of migraine sufferers don’t visibly “look sick” employers may show skepticism when told that an employee will be away from work because of a migraine. This leads to increased anxiety on the part of the patient; they never know when an attack may occur that will force them to have to leave work.

People that frequently experience migraine headaches struggle with feelings of embarrassment, guilt, and frustration which in turn can lead to depression, feelings of hopelessness.

Financial Impact

Depending on the type of job the patient has, frequent sick days may lead to precarious employment situations. Migraine headaches are a big contributor to overall lost productivity in the workplace. Migraine patients account for over 95 million lost workdays each year which costs the economy over $15 billion. People who stay at work and suffer through an attack tend to work at diminished productivity levels because of the symptoms they experience.

Migraines are also a major contributor to health care costs in the US. At least half of the doctor’s visits for headaches that occur each year are attributed to migraines. The condition also accounts for a significant portion of money spent each year on over-the-counter and prescriptions medications for headaches.

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