Finding appropriate migraine treatment is crucial because of the broadness of its impact. Not only does the patient suffer pain, but headaches and migraines can affect relationships as well. Beyond personal life, head pain disorders can have severe repercussions in the workplace as well. Intense headaches and migraines at work both can decrease the performance of afflicted individuals and negatively impact the market.
A 2009 article in the medical journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings focused on the impact migraine headaches have on the work world. The piece was a "literature review" – in other words, its goal was to survey all the various studies on the subject conducted in the recent past (1). By analyzing them side-by-side, the researchers hoped to provide a better understanding of how migraines and jobs relate.
The MCP study looked at 26 studies that were published between 1990 and 2008. All of the studies looked at workplace productivity for those with migraines in the US. Some of the studies required a migraine diagnosis, while others included subjects with migraine-like symptoms. Nine of the studies concluded that migraines were detrimental to an individual's ability to be productive.
Various of the studies tested specific types of medication on migraine. Most of those studies were on triptans, and a majority of them found improved productivity when they were used. One of the obvious recommendations of the study, then, was that medical professionals can use proven migraine treatment therapies to improve the work lives of their patients. (Note, however, that triptans are not universally praised)(2)
The findings of the researchers, after carefully reviewing each of the 26 studies, was that migraines negatively affect on-the-job productivity. Additionally, they believe it makes sense for companies to help their employees manage their migraines to prevent poor performance and downtime. Specifically, those efforts by companies should include behavioral change strategies (in other words, tips on removing common migraine triggers) and access to healthcare. They also recommend further research as new treatment options become available.
Migraines can wreak havoc on the personal and work lives of those afflicted by the disorder. The same is true of severe headaches. The good news is that suffering from migraine is becoming a problem of the past for thousands of Americans every day. That's because a groundbreaking new treatment called MiRx Protocol™ is providing a safe and proven alternative to pills. Ask your physician today whether it might be right for you.
Sources:
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2676126/
(2) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1366311/The-migraine-wonder-pill-actually-GIVES-headaches.html