Poor understanding of migraine is damaging careers and personal lives, according to new research from The Migraine Trust.
Research of more than 4,000 people found that those living with migraine face disbelief, stigma and discrimination in the workplace. While migraine is a complex neurological condition, two in three people without the condition believed it was simply stress-related and more than half thought it was “just a bad headache”.
The findings reveal how these misconceptions play out at work. Ninety-one per cent of people with migraine said they had worked through attacks, often using holiday or unpaid leave to avoid sickness absence. A quarter reported leaving or considering leaving a job due to unsupportive employers.
Attitudes among those without migraine were troubling: 60 per cent said they would be concerned about hiring a qualified candidate who disclosed the condition, rising to 83 per cent among senior executives. Fewer than two in five said they would be very likely to believe someone calling in sick or leaving early due to migraine.
The research also highlights how stigma extends beyond the workplace. Two thirds of people with migraine said they were not believed when describing symptoms, while 77 per cent said others joked about the condition. Almost six in 10 avoided disclosing migraine to colleagues or managers for fear of being dismissed or ridiculed.
Migraine can involve severe headaches, nausea, fatigue and sensitivity to light, sound or smell. For some, attacks include aura, such as visual disturbances. The variability of symptoms adds to the difficulty of explaining the impact at work.
Rob Music, chief executive of The Migraine Trust, said:
“It is sad to see just how deep migraine misunderstanding runs in our society and the very real consequences this is having on people with the condition. With often small changes, employers can make a huge difference in the working lives of their staff with migraine.”
The charity has launched a film to highlight the workplace impact of poor understanding, alongside its annual Migraine Awareness Week (22–28 September). It is calling on employers to sign its Workplace Pledge and review policies to better support staff.
Chisola Chitambala, an ambassador for the charity and former Apprentice contestant, said:
“Migraine can be completely debilitating. People with migraine can bring such a diverse range of skills and experience to workplaces and many just need a bit of support and some adjustments in place to be able to stay in work and thrive.”
Examples of good practice include flexible working, home working options, softer lighting and quiet spaces. Employers who have adopted such measures report benefits for both staff and the organisation.
The Migraine Trust is also urging government to include migraine in national employment policies, such as the Pathways to Work Green Paper, to help more people remain in or return to work.
Migraine affects around one in seven people in the UK, yet only 2 per cent of respondents to the survey said their workplace had migraine-friendly policies in place. The charity says better education, representation and workplace support are needed to ensure people with the condition are not held back in their careers or personal lives.
