By Deborah Condon

Sufferers of migraine miss almost 8.5 days from work every year and have to struggle through a further 22 days while experiencing an attack, a new survey has shown.

Migraine is Ireland's most common neurological condition, affecting over 400,000 people. It is characterised by a severe, one-sided headache that can last up to three days. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and/or noise.

According to the survey from the Migraine Association of Ireland (MAI), the social and economic cost of migraine may be much greater than previously thought. In fact, the association estimates that the condition now costs the Irish economy at least €240 million per annum in lost productivity.

The survey was undertaken as part of the first ever European Migraine Day of Action, which takes place on September 12.

It found that almost half of all respondents in employment missed time from work in the last three months as a result of migraine. On average, respondents had missed 2.1 days in the past three months because of migraine - the equivalent of almost 8.5 days per annum.

In addition, performance at work was significantly affected on a further 5.6 days in the past three months, or 22 days per year.

Just 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. At least 10% of the Irish workforce suffers from migraine, making it more prevalent than asthma, diabetes and epilepsy combined. Basing calculations on the minimum wage, the cost of absenteeism and reduced productivity to the economy is almost €240 million. In reality, the cost is likely to be far greater", explained MAI chief executive, Peter Murphy.

The survey also found that migraine places a significant burden on the individual, with attacks typically lasting 24 - 48 hours. Overall, sufferers experience migraine an average of 46 days per annum.

In addition to job issues, the survey revealed that migraine hinders family and social activities and has a major impact on an individual's ability to carry out ordinary day-to-day tasks. Those affected are often unable to plan ahead or fear doing so due to the unpredictable nature of attacks.

"Because migraine can have such a negative effect on quality of life, the onus is on the individual to seek help and assume responsibility for their condition. Although migraine can't be cured, it is a manageable and treatable condition and the impact and cost can be reduced", Mr Murphy said.

The MAI believes it is essential that people consult with their GP as early as possible. The survey found that, on average, people do not receive a diagnosis until six years after they first experience symptoms. Furthermore, one in 12 people with migraine have never consulted with their GP.

"The importance of getting an accurate and early diagnosis cannot be understated. It is impossible to begin managing any condition until it has been accurately diagnosed. Effective treatments exist for migraine, but failure to consult early means that many people are suffering unnecessarily", explained Dr Eddie O'Sullivan, clinical director of the headache/migraine clinic in Cork University Hospital.

Meanwhile, as part of European Migraine Day of Action, European patient support groups, including the MAI, are calling for improvements in the way migraine is managed.

"Despite increasing recognition of migraine as a complex neurological condition, it is apparent that many people still feel that their migraine is not being recognised as a debilitating condition and therefore suffer stigmatisation and discrimination as a result, especially in the workplace where the fear is of being seen as work-shy for taking time off", commented Audrey Craven, president of the newly formed European Headache Alliance of patient groups.

The MAI has organised two information days for those affected by migraine. These will take place in the Imperial Hotel in Cork on Sunday, September 10 and in the Sligo park Hotel in Sligo on Sunday, September 17. Both meetings are open to the public and begin at 2pm.

The association is also launching a new migraine support pack. To receive a pack or reserve a place at one of the information days, contact the national migraine helpline at 1850 200 378.