Many people experience debilitating migraine headaches that prevent them from functioning during these episodes. Despite the fact that Social Security does not identify migraine headaches on its list of impairments that are considered part of a disability claim, this condition will be considered in a person’s ability work during a disability claim.
A migraine headache is different than the typical headaches most Americans have experienced. Typically, migraine headaches are longer in duration, more severe and many times include other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances or an inability to concentrate.
Anyone who suffers from chronic migraines should be treating with a physician, ideally a specialist like a neurologist. The specialist should be informed about your migraines so there is documented medical evidence as to the severity of your impairment. Most people are unable to recall specific dates and events that lead to an episode of a migraine headache. For many people who experience migraines, the impact of an occurrence can last several hours, and sometimes even days before the pain goes away.
To improve a claimant’s chances on a disability claim, anyone who suffers from migraine headaches should document each migraine and provide the following information:
- The date of each migraine;
- The duration of each migraine;
- The severity of the pain experienced during each migraine;
- Any other symptoms you experience during your migraine such as nausea/vomiting, visual disturbances or difficulty concentrating;
- Identify anything that improves your headaches;
- Identify anything that makes your headaches worse;
- Identify possible triggers you may have noticed upon the onset of your headaches.
Having a record of your migraines provides accurate documentation for a disability claim, but also for your medical provider so that your medical provider understands the severity and frequency of your condition.
