Disabling headaches not due to other causes are most often migraine. Migraine headache symptoms often include other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity. Occasional migraines are not considered disabling, and may simply be an inconvenience to be handled through therapeutic or medicinal treatments. But severe and frequent migraine headaches may impair function and quality of life; and may qualify as a disabling condition. Severe migraine sufferers are often unable to rise, tolerate light, or function in a normal manner. Severe migraines can last hours to days, and may not respond consistently to treatment. Migraine treatment may also include medication that causes drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects which can also impair ability to function.
Documentation you will need to provide your insurer include:
- Treating physician’s notes regarding the severity and frequency of your migraines
- Documentation by specialists involved in your treatment
- Detailed documentation of treatment and results, side effects and prognosis
- Results of any tests done to rule out other conditions
- List of medications and other treatments tried, and their outcomes, and
- Records from any ER visits or hospitalizations related to your migraines.
It also would be wise to document your personal experiences and events related to your inability to function normally due to migraine headaches.
