Can people with Cluster Headaches work? What kind of work can they perform?

See how people with experience in Cluster Headaches give their opinion about whether people with Cluster Headaches can work and what kind of jobs are more appropriated for people with Cluster Headaches

Can people with Cluster Headaches work? What kind of work can they perform?

Cluster headaches are a debilitating neurological condition characterized by severe, excruciating pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by other symptoms such as eye redness, tearing, and nasal congestion. These headaches occur in clusters or cycles, with each cycle lasting weeks to months, followed by periods of remission. The intensity and frequency of cluster headaches can significantly impact a person's ability to work and perform daily activities.

While cluster headaches can be extremely challenging to manage, it is possible for individuals with this condition to continue working. However, the type of work they can perform may depend on several factors, including the severity of their symptoms, the frequency of attacks, and the individual's overall health and coping mechanisms.

1. Flexible Work Arrangements:

For individuals with cluster headaches, flexible work arrangements can be crucial in managing their condition while maintaining employment. Flexible work options such as telecommuting, flexible hours, or part-time work can provide the necessary flexibility to accommodate the unpredictable nature of cluster headaches. This allows individuals to work from home during periods of intense pain or adjust their work schedule to better manage their symptoms.

2. Remote or Freelance Work:

Remote work or freelance opportunities can be particularly beneficial for individuals with cluster headaches. Working remotely eliminates the need for commuting, which can trigger or worsen cluster headache attacks. It also provides a more comfortable and controlled environment, allowing individuals to manage their symptoms more effectively. Freelancing offers the flexibility to choose projects and workloads that align with their health needs.

3. Jobs with Lower Physical Demands:

Individuals with cluster headaches may find it more manageable to work in jobs with lower physical demands. Jobs that involve less physical exertion, such as office-based roles, administrative work, writing, programming, or creative pursuits, can be suitable options. These types of jobs often provide a more controlled environment and allow individuals to take breaks or adjust their workstations to alleviate symptoms.

4. Supportive Work Environment:

A supportive work environment can make a significant difference for individuals with cluster headaches. Employers who are understanding, accommodating, and willing to make reasonable adjustments can greatly enhance an individual's ability to work. This may include providing a quiet workspace, allowing flexible breaks, or implementing policies that support employees with chronic conditions.

5. Effective Treatment and Management:

Seeking appropriate treatment and effectively managing cluster headaches is crucial for individuals who wish to continue working. This may involve working closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes preventive measures and acute pain management strategies. By effectively managing their condition, individuals can minimize the impact of cluster headaches on their work performance.

6. Support Networks:

Building a strong support network can be invaluable for individuals with cluster headaches. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support, practical advice, and coping strategies. Support groups, both online and offline, can offer a safe space to share experiences and learn from others who have successfully navigated employment while living with cluster headaches.

Conclusion:

While cluster headaches can be debilitating and challenging to manage, many individuals with this condition are able to continue working. Flexible work arrangements, remote or freelance work, jobs with lower physical demands, supportive work environments, effective treatment and management, and support networks all play crucial roles in enabling individuals with cluster headaches to maintain employment. It is important for employers and society as a whole to recognize the impact of cluster headaches and provide the necessary support and accommodations to ensure individuals can lead fulfilling work lives despite their condition.

Diseasemaps

Yes some people can work and others can't. You have to have an understanding employer that is willing to work with you. I have a very high pain tolerance which helps. You have to know your triggers and stay away from work that would expose you to these.

Posted Feb 21, 2017 by Lucas 1152

If not in an episode working is no problem. In an episode it is impossible to work. If chronic, working is a real challenge.

Posted Mar 3, 2017 by Yoda 4292

I have been fortunate enough to be able to work through my cluster headache attacks - however I have been fortunate enough to read the shadows as soon as they emerge. I often take a couple of Advil and if there is no change I go straight for the Maxalt.
This hasn't always worked and on occasions I have locked myself in a toilet cubicle and rode it out for however long it takes - sometimes up to an hour.
My advice to anyone who suffers from this hideous pain is to notify all workmates and people withon your workplace that you suffer from cluster headaches - describe the pain, get them to Google it so they can get their head around what you are going through and if you get a shadow lay low for a while.
I have had attacks at my desk where people around me thought that I was reading something really sad with watering eyes and runny nose - in actual fact I had my eyes closed and was grimacing in pain - keep your back to all.

Posted Mar 4, 2017 by Donna 1005

I work as a pensions adviser and my employers have been very helpful allowing me time away from my desk to treat myself and recover

Posted Apr 26, 2017 by Scott Wright 401

They can if they have an understanding employer. Unfortunately 99% of people can relate to the word 'headache' , so they think it's as simple as having a pain killer and ' get on with it'. It's much harder for people that are 'chronic' as they have to live with this everyday all year round.

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Matthew Bcfc 1000

Normally yes. Only the episodic type can. The chronics find it difficult to keep any job.

Posted May 21, 2017 by Pepe922 2000

Some people can. I cannot. A lot of people have lost their jobs

Posted Jun 3, 2017 by Maria 2001

Not while suffering with a CH

Posted Jun 4, 2017 by Tim 2150

I cannot work through a headache the pain is too intense. I am a caregiver and I have clients were very understanding and allow me to either leave or deal with pain until it goes away those who have not been understanding I no longer work for

Posted Jun 9, 2017 by Melissa 400

During a attack you can not function period

Posted Jun 11, 2017 by Jeff D 2000

Not during a chrisis. At all. And that can last for several months.

Posted Sep 14, 2017 by João Pedro Graça 500

Depends on whether they are episodic or chronic.

Posted Sep 14, 2017 by Tracie 515

Difficult question......I still work...but it is a challenge at times. I have had these for only 5 weeks now.
As this typically affects working age people I would guess that a large % try to work.

Posted Sep 23, 2017 by stan 1000

I work but not all the time and cluster headaches are so debilitating that many people cannot function normally. With attacks coming at night, I'm tired a lot and taking an afternoon naps triggers another attack -- this is common. When depression sets in it is hard to get up in the morning and during an attack one loses all focus on the task at hand.

Posted Oct 26, 2017 by Lee-Alison 2000

People with episodic cluster headache who experience 1-2 limited cycles per year may be able to work if they have the proper accommodations for time off through FMLA and other flexible work scheduling during their active cycles.

Those with chronic cluster headache may have a greater difficulty maintaining employment because of the frequency of attacks, sleep deprivation, and comorbid depression and anxiety.

Posted Jan 29, 2018 by Tammy 1150

It is clear that it is possible to work. It is necessary to study the disease, the frequency of the attacks, and adjust your life Usually, the attack is very painful and very short, with the right treatment you can live with it

Most seizures come once a year at the same time they will usually be for a period of one to two months
in the best case scenario

It is better not to work near hot steam fuels or anything that triggers a trigger

Posted Feb 1, 2018 by Danny 3050

During the cluster period my experience says it is impossible to work in any field.
Out of the cluster period , since studies blame it on circadian cycles, I think there are some jobs which might increase the risks to make the cluster period more frequent such as: any job involving night shifts or frequent shift changes, long and frequent travels.

Posted Aug 29, 2018 by Nandarq 500

Engineer consulting in office

Posted Oct 20, 2018 by Michael Trapp 1600

there should be no discrimination

yes can work but maybe have to adapt schedule

Posted Nov 7, 2018 by Oliver 3000

Its very disabling in life but you can work if you have the Episodic version. Best is work that you can do where you have the opportunity to work arround your agenda. Or be your own boss. If you have the chronich version then it is impossible to work! either both ways it is very difficult because at night you have an attack or more and during the day you re so tired. but when you are free of attacks you can do everything

Posted Nov 7, 2018 by MC 2500

It is difficult. They must stop during the pain

Posted May 16, 2019 by vasilis 2500

I work at a desk job as an engineer technician and I volunteer as a firefighter and medic, sometimes accepting paid medic jobs on the weekend. Most of the time, I do not know what my triggers are, but while I'm in an episode, smoke and fumes and sunlight trigger my clusters. Yes you can work, but you need protections like FMLA, and I would stay away from all types of smoke like food service, firefighting, cigarettes, any burning anything, especially during a cluster period.

Posted May 20, 2019 by Kendra 4550

Depends on the person, because everyone's Cluster Headaches are different. Symptoms can also change over time, so that you might have to change or stop working for a period of time. Some can never hold a job and receive government disability, some can do any job just fine. Ultimately best is a job with some flexibility to leave if you have an attack or need to take some time off, so probably not a customer-facing job and not teaching.

Posted Aug 22, 2019 by Judy 1600

Generally speaking, you cannot work during a cluster episode.

Posted Apr 13, 2020 by Larry 5050

Yes, many people with cluster headaches work

I myself work for the emergency services on the front line

Everyone is different and how ch affects them will vary person to person

Posted Jul 27, 2020 by Stėph 3000

Cluster headache sufferers can work, I am chronic cluster sufferer and I work full time for the emergency services on the front line. Working is possible for many people and we can do any of the jobs that non cluster sufferers can do!

This is entirely person to person dependent though, just because someone can manage to work full time doesn't mean another person can.

Posted Jul 27, 2020 by Stephanie 4650

In my own world, I work regardless of my clusters. I just excuse myself to take an abortive and come back to finish after. I would not suggest a driving job m, especially during an attack or a customer facing job during them. I assume every person with episode luster works to some degree.

Posted Aug 3, 2021 by Hali 900

I’ve had two careers in my 66 years. Bus driver in San Jose, Ca. (10 years) and R.N. (Surgery 20years).

Posted May 20, 2022 by [email protected] 2500

Translated from spanish Improve translation

In my case if I work I am SubAdministradores of a module criminal, but in times of crisis in impossible not even you can look at the computer, I have already had problems with work for not filing reports on time, it complicates a lot.

Posted May 9, 2017 by Nélida 1001

Translated from spanish Improve translation

My son is 24 years old and had to leave the university, this year received of a graphic designer.
At work, this crippled.
Any suggestion?
It is convenient to queca your age ask for a retirement place disability?

Posted Sep 7, 2017 by Sandra Viviana 152