Cluster Headache vs. Career

Cluster headache patients know well the impact that cluster has on work and career. A recent study has brought that information to light for the public in general.

Using an online survey for patients in the EU, researchers asked work and career questions designed to compare those with episodic and chronic cluster headache with the general population. A quick look at the results shows that:

• Chronic cluster patients were twice as likely to leave the workforce early (often through early retirement – the higher numbers indicating that in many cases it was a retirement due to cluster symptoms).
• Chronic cluster patients were twice as likely to be unable to work – many being on permanent disability.
• Cluster patients were more likely to lose their job at least once.
• Cluster headache patients missed work about 15% of the time, more with chronic cluster and less with episodic cluster.
• 75% of patients said that cluster interfered with their career (the number rising to 90% if the cluster was chronic).

See the study abstract here: Cluster Headache (CH) and work life

Of course both cluster and migraine affect our work decisions. But cluster patients have unique challenges, with headaches that tend to be even more severe and disabling than the average migraine attack (read more about the difference between cluster and migraine).

What have your experiences been like in the workplace? Do you receive any kind of financial compensation for disability? Share your experiences with us!