Last year, a staggering 3.1 million working days were lost to migraines and headaches across Britain. Addressing how this health condition impacts the economy, Labour MP Ashley Dalton stated: “The Government recognises that long-term sickness continues to be the most common reason for economic inactivity among the working age population.
“In 2024, there were 3.1 million days lost through sickness absence where the reason given was ‘headaches or migraines’. The Joint DWP and DHSC Work and Health Directorate was set up in 2015 in recognition of the significant link between work and health and to improve employment opportunities for disabled people and people with health conditions, including people with migraines.”
While migraines can be common, the NHS has warned some additional symptoms alongside the throbbing in your head could mean it’s time to see a doctor or even prompt a 999 call.
The NHS states that migraines are a widespread problem that typically feels like an excruciating headache with a pounding pain usually concentrated on one side of the head.
The health service advises booking an appointment with your GP if your migraines are intensifying, lasting longer or you’re finding it difficult to manage them. If you suffer from migraines more than once a week or consistently experience one before or during your menstrual cycle, it is crucial to consult a GP.
If you experience a migraine or headache with any of the following symptoms, call 999:
- Extremely painful headache that came on suddenly
- Problems speaking or remembering things
- Losing vision
- Double or blurred vision
- Feeling drowsy or confused
- Seizures or fits
- Very high temperatures
- Symptoms of meningitis
- Weakness in the arms, legs or face on one side of your body
- Cannot move
The NHS strongly advises people experiencing these symptoms not to drive themselves to A&E but to seek guidance from the call handlers at 999 on what actions to take next. If your migraine is not exhibiting these severe symptoms but has persisted for more than 72 hours or you are pregnant or have recently given birth, consider calling 111 instead or seeking assistance from 111 online.
Migraines can provoke some symptoms known as an aura, which may serve as warning signs that the migraine is about to commence. This could include issues with sight, numbness or tingling, feeling dizzy or difficulty speaking.
Aura symptoms should not persist for more than an hour. It’s also possible to experience these aura symptoms without suffering an actual headache, this is referred to as a silent migraine.
Migraines are typically managed with common painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, or a mix of other medications like triptans. Your GP might also suggest lifestyle tweaks to help fend off or control migraines, like sticking to regular meal times.
Alternative treatments like acupuncture, relationship techniques, and a novel medicine known as gepant are also occasionally used in migraine management.
A variety of triggers can spark migraines, from stress to excessive caffeine intake or insufficient physical activity. The NHS advises keeping a migraine diary to potentially identify any recurring factors during migraines that could be triggering your episodes.