Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder and a leading cause of disability worldwide, particularly among working-age individuals. Healthcare professionals are at heightened risk because of demanding work environment, high stress, long working hours, dehydration, inconsistent meal timings, rotating shifts and sleep disruption.
Migraine prevalence among healthcare professionals is significantly higher than the general population. Migraine is linked to moderate to severe disability, reduced quality of life and decreased work performance, absenteeism and presenteeism
For healthcare workers, managing migraine while caring for others presents invisible challenges such as reduced concentration, slower decision making, and an increased risk of procedural errors.
Calling in sick during a work shift can be difficult because a substitute may not be available at short notice, and canceling scheduled patient appointments at the last moment can be equally challenging.
Addressing migraine among healthcare professionals requires both individual and institutional strategies. Our workplaces should promote supportive policies, adequate staffing to reduce excessive workload, encouraging regular meal and hydration breaks
Safeguarding the health of healthcare professionals is not a matter of convenience but a matter of patient safety and system sustainability. Ignoring the burden of migraine within healthcare settings risks compromising not only clinician well-being but also the quality of care delivered to patients.
If healthcare professionals are expected to care for others at their best, should it not be ensured that they are supported in caring for their own health as well?
MBH/AB