Cutting the Costs of Migraine: Role of the Employee Health Unit

Abstract

It is estimated that over 120 million Americans suffer from moderate to severe attacks of migraine characterized by headache and other debilitating symptoms, resulting in impaired functional capacity and diminished quality of life. And, it appears, its prevalence is increasing. Since the prevalence peaks during the ages of 25-55, the prime working years, migraine places a tremendous burden on employers, primarily in the form of lost productivity as well as increased health benefits costs. The fact that migraine is underdiagnosed and undertreated suggests the existence of opportunities for interventions that will reduce that toll. This article focuses on the contributions that employee health units may make to such interventions. In addition to first aid for migraine attacks occurring during working hours, these interventions may include educating occupational health staff, managers, and line supervisors about the management of migraine; identifying migraineurs in the workforce; educating them about their problem and ensuring that they are receiving optimal care; controlling exposures to factors in the workplace that may trigger migraine attacks; and managing disability to minimize loss of productivity. Perhaps most important is encouraging migraineurs to be more aggressive in confronting this problem and empowering them to seek out personal physicians who will guide them to effective treatment and preventive regimens.

Relevance of cortical thickness in migraine sufferers

“…Prevalence studies estimate that migraine affects 15-25% of women and 6-8% of men [1][2][3][4], and over 2.5 million people in North America have migraine at least one day per week. Migraine has a huge economic impact [5,6], amounting to several billion dollars annually due to increased healthcare utilization and costs associated with absenteeism and reduced efficiency.…”

Quality of Care Measures for Migraine: A Comprehensive Review

“…These efforts are a means to reduce overall costs attributable to the disorder. 18,19 Health plans and disease management providers also are getting involved in migraine care initiatives. Presently, 2 disease management organizations have received accreditation or certification by NCQA for migraine programs.…”

Cost Burden of the ‘Presenteeism’ Health Outcome in a Diverse Nurse and Pharmacist Workforce: Practice Models and Health Policy Implications

“…Migraines are the most common headache disorder, yet it remained underdiagnosed and under-treated (Warshaw & Burton, 1998). According to Warshaw et al (1998), the highest prevalence of migraine occurred in adults between 25 and 55 years of age.…”

“…According to Warshaw et al (1998), the highest prevalence of migraine occurred in adults between 25 and 55 years of age. Women suffered from migraines three times more than men.…”

“…Estimates are that migraine caused an average 3.2 days lost through absenteeism, and 4.9 days lost through presenteeism. Warshaw et al (1998) found that those who suffered from migraines were most likely to stay at work with productivity decreased by 31%. Moreover, only 9.4% of migraine sufferers stay home with a migraine and 9.2% of those who stay at work reported that their work level was reduced by greater than 50% .…”