Disability Caused By Migraines: What Help Is Available For Me?

In this article, we will explore the impact of migraines on disabilities. We will discuss where migraines rank among the causes of disability, how they can disrupt your work life and whether you are eligible for disability benefits if your migraines are severe enough to impact your day-to-day life. As well as these topics, we will also cover when you should consult with your doctor about your migraines and how medication could help you. 

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about disability that is caused by migraines:

• In the UK, approximately 10 million people suffer from migraines, with over one million experiencing chronic migraines.

• You may be eligible for various benefits if migraines severely affect your ability to work or perform daily activities. These benefits include Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Statutory Sick Pay. 

• Migraines contribute to both absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace, costing around £9 billion annually in the UK.

• To manage chronic migraines at work, consider keeping your employer informed, understanding your company's sickness policy, reducing work-related stress and documenting communications with your employer.

• Keeping a migraine diary is beneficial for tracking your condition and identifying patterns or triggers. Record details such as date, duration, severity, associated symptoms, and medications.

How many people suffer from migraines in the UK?

In the UK, one in seven adults, or around 10 million people, suffer from migraines according to the House of Commons Library and The Migraine Trust. Of these 10 million people, over one million live with chronic migraines. This means they experience headaches at least 15 days a month, with other migraine symptoms present for at least eight of those days, for a minimum of three months.

Are migraines a leading cause of disability?

Yes, migraines are in the top 10 leading causes of disabling conditions according to the World Health Organisation. The Business Disability Forum also points out that migraines are the most common cause of neurological disability, with an estimated cost to businesses, employees and the government being around £8.8 billion. 

Can you claim for benefits because of a disability caused by your migraines?

Yes, you may be able to claim benefits if you are affected by disability caused by migraines, however, it will depend on your situation. If migraines are preventing you from working, or are limiting you ability to work full-time then you could be eligible for Universal Credit, according to the Migraine Trust.

For people who are struggling with day-to-day life or mobility due to migraines you may be able to get Personal Independence Payment, also known as PIP. This is available for people between the ages of 18 and state pension age (which is 66 in the UK). If you are over the state pension age (66) then you may be provided with Attendance Allowance.

Other benefits available to people struggling with chronic migraines include Carer’s Allowance, which can be claimed by someone looking after you, and Statutory Sick Pay, which could be available if you’re employed but unable to work due to your migraines.

It should be noted that it can be difficult to get benefits due to migraines. If you put in a claim and find that it is unsuccessful you can appeal the decision through the Department for Work and Pensions.

How can migraines affect absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace?

Migraines can have a significant impact on both absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace. The terms absenteeism and presenteeism are used to describe when someone is away from work (absent) due to a condition, or in work but unable to perform their work to full capacity due to a condition. As mentioned migraines are thought to cost around £9 billion a year based on absenteeism. 

The Migraine Trust states that this figure can be altered by changing how workplaces view migraines. With the right support in place for those who struggle with migraines, the impact on the workplace can be greatly reduced, benefiting not only employees but also employers.

How can I deal with chronic migraines when I'm at work?

Migraines should not prevent people from finding or keeping a job, however, they can sometimes impact your performance in the workplace. If you are struggling with chronic migraines whilst you are at work then the Migraine Trust has provided a number of tips you can follow to help improve your work life:

Keep your employer and manager informed

Ensuring that your employer/manager is informed about your condition is vital for getting the support that you need. Having open communication with your manager helps you to be open about your migraines and gives them the opportunity to support you when necessary.

Check your company's sickness policy

If your migraines are leading to you having time off work then you should check your company’s sickness policy. This will outline how your employer manages short-term absences and what support you are entitled to. 

Try and reduce work-related stress triggers

Work-related stress can be a common trigger for migraines, as well as affecting other aspects of life such as sleep, eating habits and general well-being. By reducing your work-related stress you may find that you significantly improve your migraines at work. 

Document your conversations with your employer

It can be beneficial to document your conversations with your employer regarding your migraines. You may wish to note down when you tell them about your migraines, request time off or report sickness absences. This can be useful if issues arise around your condition and its impact on your work. 

How can a migraine diary help you and what information should you keep a record of?

Another tip that the Migraine Trust recommend is keeping a migraine diary. This can be valuable for managing your migraines and keeping track of them as and when they happen. It can also help your doctor to make a more accurate diagnosis, as well as highlight any potential triggers. To keep a thorough migraine diary you should keep track of:

• The date of the migraine

• The day of the week

• How long it lasts

• The severity on a scale of 1-10

• Other symptoms you experience

• Any medications you have taken including how many doses

• Anything else you feel might be relevant

Should I speak to my doctor about disabilities that are caused by migraines that I'm experiencing?

Yes, you should speak to your doctor or a healthcare provider about any disabilities caused by migraines that you are experiencing. Migraines can affect your ability to complete day-to-day tasks such as work or school. Discussing these issues with your doctor can help to determine if you require any treatment, potential management strategies which may be useful for you and any relevant documentation you may need for disability benefits or workplace support.

Can my doctor recommend medications to help me to manage symptoms of a migraine?

Yes, your doctor will also be able to recommend medications to you that can help to manage your migraines and the symptoms associated with migraines. Commonly prescribed migraine medications include sumatriptan, rizatriptan and zolmitriptan, however, the specific medication that works best for you may be different.

Sources

The Migraine Trust

Migraine - NHS

Migraine | NHS inform

Migraine | Treatment summaries | BNF | NICE

Migraine – Neurological condition - Brain Research UK