Page 77 - The-Complete-Guide-to-Migraine-Headaches_Neat

The Complete Guide to Migraine Headaches by Alice Peart Page 78 of 87

¾ Several detailed studies conducted in the US estimate the loss of working

days by migraine sufferers runs into millions of dollars every year.

¾ A migraine sufferer who holds a demanding job will continue to attend
office because of the stigma attached to absenteeism on health grounds.
This aggravates his suffering and he may become irritable and suffer

mental stress.

¾ Continued absences can lead to loss of challenging assignments and

missing promotions. To tackle this problem the employers need to be
sympathetic to the needs of a migraine sufferer. They must permit a

flexible schedule for this individual when he suffers a migraine attack.

Migraine headaches upset the individual’s lifestyle:

¾ He cannot live comfortably and perform his routine activities during these
attacks.

¾ He cannot enjoy holidays and time with his family and children.

¾ Severe migraine headaches can adversely affect a person’s relationships.

¾ This disruption causes depression and the individual has to alter his life.

Hence, the family should adopt an understanding approach during these
difficult times.

One person in the family, preferably their spouse, must be with the individual

during these difficult times to give him the proper medicine and to take him to
the doctor. The spouse may have to look after the children and the house along

with her work at these times. However, patience and understanding can relieve
some of the pressure. Friends and family workers must be compassionate during

these difficult times, to help the sufferer cope with migraine attacks.

Children of a migraine victim may be confused and upset when they see their
parent in such a helpless situation. The spouse must explain to the child that this

Copyright © 2006 Alice Peart 78.