Migraine Awareness Week from September 22-28, 2025, is a critical time to address a widespread and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people in the UK.
Far more than a simple headache, migraine is a severe, long-term health condition that can profoundly disrupt a person’s life, including their career.
Migraine can mean:
- Disruption of daily activities, work, and personal goals.
- Disappointment with a healthcare system, employers, and society that often misunderstands the condition.
- Missed opportunities, from personal celebrations to professional advancement.
The goal of this week is to change the perception of migraine, one conversation at a time.
What is Migraine?
Migraine is a debilitating condition characterised by migraine attacks, which are whole-body events.
While a throbbing headache is a common symptom, it’s often accompanied by other symptoms like visual disturbances (such as flashing lights), extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smell, nausea, and fatigue.
These symptoms can be so severe that a person cannot function normally, and an attack can last anywhere from four hours to three days.
Are there different types of migraine?
Migraine is a complex neurological disease, and its symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Because of this, medical professionals rely on an international classification system to accurately diagnose and treat different types of migraine.
While many types exist, the two most common categories are migraine without aura and migraine with aura.
Migraine with aura is an especially broad category that also includes some rarer forms, such as:
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that could be related to migraine, it’s important to consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Migraine and Employment
The impact of migraine on employment is significant and often underestimated. Research from the National Migraine Centre highlights the profound challenges people face:
- Over half of those with chronic migraine feel their employers are not supportive.
- 25% have had to change careers because of migraine.
- 16% have lost their job due to migraine.
- 97% of people with migraine have worked while in pain.
- Chronic migraine sufferers lose an average of 16.8 days of work per year.
The cumulative effect of migraine is often unseen, misunderstood, and underplayed by those who suffer from it in an effort to hold on to their jobs.
Migraine: A Protected Condition
In the UK, migraine may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010, depending on the frequency, severity, and impact of the attacks.
This legal classification provides important protections against workplace discrimination and places an obligation on employers to make “reasonable adjustments.”
Reasonable adjustments can include:
- Allowing for regular short breaks instead of one long lunch break.
- Providing anti-glare screens for computer monitors.
- Reviewing office lighting.
- Allowing time off for medical appointments.
For people with frequent or severe migraines, understanding their rights is key. The Acas website offers more information on employment rights related to health conditions.
Navigating Time Off and Communication at Work
Since a migraine attack can last for a few hours or a few days, it’s important to understand your company’s absence policies.
While some people may only need a couple of hours in a quiet space, others might need a few days off. Your company’s employee handbook or sickness policy should outline the procedures for short-term sick leave. If you are unsure, speak with your HR team or manager.
Open communication with your employer is vital. Since migraine is often misunderstood, it’s crucial to help your manager understand that it’s more than just a headache. Consider sharing information from a headache specialist or from reputable sources like the National Migraine Centre. This can help them grasp the full picture of your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
Understanding Treatment Options
Since migraine is a complex neurological disorder, its treatment is highly personalised. The best approach for you depends on several factors, including the type of migraine you have, the severity and frequency of your attacks, and your personal medical history.
Broadly, migraine treatment falls into two main categories:
- Acute treatments are taken at the onset of a migraine attack to help stop it or reduce its symptoms. These can include over-the-counter painkillers, specific migraine medications like triptans, and anti-nausea drugs.
- Preventive treatments are taken regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. These are often recommended for people who experience frequent attacks or for whom migraines have a significant impact on their daily life. Your doctor can help you determine if preventive medication is a good option.
Lifestyle and Triggers
In addition to medication, managing lifestyle factors and identifying personal triggers can be a key part of your treatment plan.
Common triggers can include stress, changes in your sleep schedule, or certain foods. While there is no cure for migraine, a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both medication and lifestyle can significantly improve your quality of life.
By raising awareness and fostering better understanding, we can ensure that migraine sufferers receive the support and accommodations they need to thrive both in their careers and in their lives.
Frequently asked questions:
How am I protected by my employer?
Employers must evaluate workplace stress risks, implement policies against bullying, harassment, and discrimination, and ensure that first aid needs consider physical and mental health needs.
Employers must put their workers’ welfare first by providing assistance, evaluating hazards, and implementing changes like flexible work schedules or employee support initiatives.
They must safeguard employees from risks to their physical or mental wellbeing. Legally, employers must also evaluate the health hazards associated with stress and inform workers of their results.
It is crucial to speak to your manager immediately if you are no longer feeling protected within your workplace. However, if there is no management position to talk to, you could talk to your:
- Trade union representative
- Worker representative
- HR department
- Worker assistance programme/counselling service, if your company has these.
- First aider trained to support people experiencing mental health.
- GP
When to Consider Legal Action
You may have a strong case for a stress at work claim if all of the following apply:
- Your employer knew about the work-related issue causing you stress.
- They failed to take any adequate steps to help or support you.
- As a result of their failure, you suffered a diagnosed mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.
Further information:
Migraine Awareness Week 2025.
Migraine at work.
HSE: Mental health conditions, work and the workplace.
Oakwood Solicitors: Employment Claims.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have suffered migraines in the work place, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.
Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 360 2449 to find out how we can help you.
Fiona Almazedi has been with Oakwood Solicitors for the last 10 years working as a consultant and taking up the position of Head of Employment on the 3rd January 2024.
Fiona has over 20 years of ex…
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