The following tips and hints are designed to encourage patients to better cope
with migraine by reducing the frequency of attacks and minimising the effect
that migraine has on a sufferer’s day-to-day routine.
Coping with migraine at home
There are a number of ways in which patients can reduce the impact of migraine at home. Patients should identify environmental triggers of migraine, including noise, lighting and scents in their living spaces, kitchen and bedrooms. In doing so, patients can ‘migraine-proof’ their homes by making changes that may reduce their chance of getting a migraine.
Migraine at work
Migraines not only disrupt patients’ personal lives, but also have a very real impact on the business world. Indeed, businesses in the USA lose approximately $13 billion per year due to missed work days and impaired work function attributable to migraine. [44]
The following suggestions may enable patients to avoid migraine triggers and make their workplace more comfortable.
Managing attacks at work
Preventing attacks at work
Coping with migraine at home
There are a number of ways in which patients can reduce the impact of migraine at home. Patients should identify environmental triggers of migraine, including noise, lighting and scents in their living spaces, kitchen and bedrooms. In doing so, patients can ‘migraine-proof’ their homes by making changes that may reduce their chance of getting a migraine.
Migraine at work
Migraines not only disrupt patients’ personal lives, but also have a very real impact on the business world. Indeed, businesses in the USA lose approximately $13 billion per year due to missed work days and impaired work function attributable to migraine. [44]
The following suggestions may enable patients to avoid migraine triggers and make their workplace more comfortable.
Managing attacks at work
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Carry suitable migraine medication at all times. A nasal spray or an orally disintegrating tablet that melts in the mouth might be a more suitable option at the office as they can be taken discreetly and without fluids.
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Discuss the symptoms and impact of migraine with employers and colleagues so that they better understand the condition.
- Try to find a separate, silent room to use during a migraine attack.
Preventing attacks at work
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Ensure that personal lighting is suitable. The use of a desk lamp may avoid a migraine being triggered by bright, flickering office lights.
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Make your work area as ergonomic as possible and adjust your seating to avoid neck, back or eye strain that might trigger a migraine.
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Take regular breaks.
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Don’t skip lunch; bring some food from home to avoid potential migraine triggers.
- Get regular exercise, i.e. at least 30 minutes' exercise on three occasions per week.
A leaflet providing information on how patients can cope with migraine at home or at the office can be downloaded 
here .
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