How to Use a Migraine as an Excuse for Missing Work

Migraines are more than headaches; they are a complex neurological condition that can profoundly impact your health and daily functioning. If you’re experiencing a migraine attack, the intense pain and accompanying symptoms like sensitivity to light, nausea, and cognitive challenges can make it quite difficult to fulfill your work duties effectively.

Understanding how to communicate your health needs to your employer is vital. You may need to excuse yourself from work to manage your migraine, and it’s important to do so truthfully and professionally. A clear, concise, and considerate message to explain your absence can help maintain professionalism while ensuring that your health remains a top priority.

For instance, if you need to take sick leave due to a migraine, you might write: “Dear [Manager/HR], I wanted to inform you that I am currently experiencing a migraine attack and, after consulting with my healthcare provider, have been advised to take the day off to recover fully. I apologize for any inconvenience my absence may cause and will ensure to keep you updated on my condition.

Thank you for your understanding.” This approach conveys the seriousness of your condition and your intention to resume work responsibilities as soon as possible.

Understanding Migraine as a Legitimate Reason

Close-up of a woman suffering from a migraine pain attack — Chinnapong / Adobe Stock

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by intense, often debilitating headaches. If you experience a migraine attack, you’re familiar with symptoms like pulsing pain, visual disturbances, light sensitivity, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms can impair your ability to perform work effectively, and in some cases, attempting to work through a migraine can exacerbate your condition.

Migraine is recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a potential disability. This means that, like any other chronic disease, you have legal protections regarding workplace accommodation and absence due to your health condition.

Your explanation should be clear and straightforward when confronted with the need to excuse yourself from work due to a migraine. Below is a sample dialogue that reflects an empathetic and professional approach:

“Hi [Supervisor’s Name],

I wanted to inform you that I’m currently experiencing a severe migraine attack. This includes intense head pain and sensitivity to light and sound, making it impossible to focus and perform my duties. As a result, I need to take a sick leave today to manage these symptoms properly and safely. I’ve initiated the necessary work handover and will update you on my recovery progress. Thank you for understanding.”

Keep in mind the importance of communicating the impact of migraine triggers such as bright lights or stress. Emphasize the temporary nature of the attack while demonstrating proactive steps to mitigate the work impact. Being upfront about your condition can foster understanding and create a supportive work environment. It’s crucial to remember that migraines are legitimate medical reasons for work absence, deserving of the same respect as any other illness.

Crafting Your Excuse

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When you need to take time off from work due to a migraine, the way you communicate your need for an excuse is crucial. Your approach should be empathetic towards your employer’s needs while professionally advocating for your health.

Sample Migraine Excuses

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Phone call: “Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m experiencing a severe migraine attack, and I’m unable to focus or work effectively. I need to take a day off to manage my symptoms and rest. I hope to be back at work tomorrow, feeling better.”
Email/Text: “Dear [Manager’s Name], I wanted to inform you that I’ve had a severe migraine today. Unfortunately, this means I’m unfit to work and need to rest. I’ve already set my out-of-office replies and informed [Co-worker’s Name] of critical ongoing tasks.”

Tips for Communicating with Your Employer

Close-up of a tired young woman stress in work and have a migraine attack — Valerii Apetroaiei / Adobe Stock

Be Direct: Clearly state that you have a migraine and that it is affecting your ability to work.
Be Timely: Notify your employer when you realize you cannot work.
Emphasize Ability to Return: Assure your employer of your intent to resume duties immediately.
Plan for Coverage: Suggest ways to cover your work during your absence.

When to Provide Medical Documentation

Close-up of a medical professional holding a clipboard with medical documentation — C Davids/peopleimages.com / Adobe Stock

Not Always Required: For occasional absences, a simple notification may suffice.
Chronic Conditions: If migraines frequently interfere with work, consider providing documentation from a neurologist to HR.
Long-term Absences: Medical documentation will likely be necessary for extended leaves or accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Navigating Workplace Policies

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Understand the Policy: Review your employee handbook for reporting sick leave and absence.
Know Your Rights: Educate yourself on the Americans with Disabilities Act and what accommodations you might be entitled to.
Discuss with HR: Engage your Human Resources department to understand the specific procedures and available resources.
Documentation: Keep records of correspondence and notes on migraine-related absences to clarify and support future discussions about accommodations or insurance claims.