Migraines are a type of headache and a recognised medical condition. Migraines may be experienced from as little as once or twice a year, or as often as two or three times a week. The pain is severe, throbbing and usually on one side of the head. A migraine attack can last from a number of hours up to days.
Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and in some cases visual impairment and the sensation of flashing lights.
People who experience migraines are usually advised by their doctors to avoid or minimise the triggers, if any, that may cause them. In some cases, the condition can be managed by the use of medication. Known migraine triggers include:
- diet—cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, alcohol
- sleep—too little or too much
- menstrual cycle—migraine occurs two to three times more frequently in women than men
- physiochemical—excessive heat, light, noise or certain chemicals
- emotional—stress, excitement and fatigue
- relaxation—weekend migraines are often triggered by a period of stress and overwork followed by relaxation.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Not every person who experiences migraines will have their work capacity reduced by a migraine attack. However, some employees may find their work capacity greatly reduced and sick leave may need to be taken. By reducing concentration, fine motor skills and judgment, migraines may also affect an employee's ability to work safely.
Employees should let their employers know if they have a migraine attack at work to allow an employer to ensure there is no safety risk to the individual or their co-workers.
It is good policy for employers to follow up repeated migraine absenteeism to see whether the employee's work environment or procedures need to be modified, so that the severity and incidence of future migraines may be minimised.
Some of the triggers that cause migraines are found in workplaces.
Specific examples of solutions for reducing workplace triggers for migraines may include:
- ask co-workers to limit perfume and cologne as smells or fragrances can be powerful triggers
- avoid staff smoking areas
- have plenty of drinking water available
- allow regular meal breaks
- use an anti-glare computer as eyestrain can trigger migraines
References
Better Health Channel 2009, Headache - migraines, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 17 May 2010,
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Headache_migraines?open.
Department of Commerce 2009, Migraine at Work, Western Australian Government, Perth, viewed 17 May 2010, http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/WorkSafe/Content/Safety_Topics/Diseases_and_health/More_information/Migrane_at_work.html.
Headache Australia 2010, Migraine Prevention, Brain Foundation, NSW, viewed 17 May 2010, http://www.headacheaustralia.org.au/migraine_prevention.