Living and working with migraine

Living and working with migraine. Migraine is more than just a headache. It's a serious problem that affects six million people in Britain alone and loses 18 million working days each year, costing the nation a staggering £750 million in lost production as a result. So how can sufferers cope with migraines both at work and at home?

Identify triggers Migraine triggers are many and varied, and most often it is a combination of several triggers which starts an attack. Once you identify your trigger factors, look for a pattern, and make minor adjustments to your lifestyle. There are six categories of trigger:

1. Emotional Stress such as anger, excitement, worry, shock, depression.
   
2. Physical Stress, such as a blow to the head, travelling, a change in sleep pattern, bending, changes in routine, and muscle tension.
   
3. Alcohol and certain foods such as chocolate, citrus fruits, cheese, fried food; additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG); or long gaps between meals, fasting or dieting.
   
4. Environmental.
   
5. Hormonal triggers such as PMT or periods.
   
6. Other triggers include taking sleeping tablets, having high blood pressure, dental problems, eye strain or sinus problems.

Watch for warnings Even though some migraines are preceded by an aura, the notion that all migraines have a special warning signal is a myth: only 10pc-15 pc of migraine sufferers experience an aura before a classic migraine attack. If you experience these warnings, make sure you have your medication at hand.

Look at your diet Avoid foods you know you are sensitive to. Keep blood sugar levels stable by eating regularly, avoiding sugary snacks, and eating lots of slow-release carbohydrate foods, such as porridge. Drink at least two litres of water a day.

Get treatment fast Many people find that if they can treat a migraine early enough, even simple over-the-counter remedies such as aspirin or paracetamol can be effective.

Plan with your cycle Many women get hormonally-triggered migraines connected with menstrual cycles. If this happens to you, try to plan your workload to get important jobs done at other times wherever possible.

Have a check-up See your GP - especially if your headaches have been getting worse. You may need to change your medicine if it has become ineffective. If you are worried about the security of your job, it could be important to prove a medical history of migraine.

Take breaks Take all your rest and lunch breaks, don't skip meals, and try not to get overtired. When you have a break, take a walk in the fresh air.

Let your boss know Tell your employer that you suffer from migraines and try to get their support. Flexible working hours can be effective, and will encourage your employer to see that you are not using your illness as an excuse. FOR more information visit the web-sites: www.migrainetrust.org and www.migraine.org.uk ( dailymail.co.uk )