Migraines 'costing economy at least €240m per year'
Migraine headaches are costing the Irish economy at least €240m per annum in lost productivity, according to a new survey.
Almost half of all employed respondents to the Migraine Association of Ireland study missed time from work due to migraine in the last three months.
On average, respondents had missed 2.1 days in the past 3 months because of migraine, an equivalent of almost 8½ days per annum. In addition, performance at work was significantly affected on a further 5.6 days in the 3-month period – or more than 22 days a year.
Only one in five people with migraine said that their work was completely unaffected by migraine in the past three months.
“The economic consequences are huge,” said Peter Murphy, CEO of the Migraine Association of Ireland.
“At least 10% of the Irish workforce suffers from migraine. Basing calculations on the minimum wage, the cost of absenteeism and reduced productivity to the economy is almost €240m.
This finding is broadly similar to a European Brain Council report from 2005, which estimated the cost at a €252m per annum.
“In reality, the cost is likely to be far greater,” said Mr Murphy. “Employers need to recognise this issue and take action to minimise the impact of migraine by encouraging and helping their employees to manage the condition more effectively.”
The study was undertaken as part of the first ever European Migraine Day of Action, which takes place on September 12.
