Migraine and Work: When to Call In Sick
A migraine can make ordinary work tasks difficult or unsafe. HealthLink BC says migraines may involve throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, noise, or smells; they can last from four to 72 hours. If a familiar short-term migraine episode prevents you from safely doing your job, follow the workplace call-in procedure and focus on appropriate care.
This guide is general information. It does not diagnose a migraine, decide whether you are fit for work, or replace urgent medical assessment when symptoms are new, severe, or different from your usual pattern.
When to Call In Sick
Consider reporting an absence when symptoms interfere with safe work, especially if you drive, operate equipment, provide safety-sensitive care, or cannot perform essential tasks. Keep the message factual: tell the employer you are unable to work, follow the required notification channel, and check the applicable workplace policy.
You do not need to disclose a diagnosis or detailed symptoms in an ordinary absence message. However, an employer, contract, collective agreement, benefits plan, or accommodation process can have separate requirements. A note does not guarantee acceptance, pay, accommodation, or an employment outcome.
Know the Urgent Warning Signs
Call emergency services for a sudden severe headache that is different from past headaches or for stroke-like symptoms such as sudden weakness, vision changes, speech trouble, confusion, or new balance problems. Seek urgent assessment for fever with a stiff neck or new nausea and vomiting when you cannot keep liquids down. These symptoms should not be managed through a documentation service.
Short-Term Documentation Scope
MedLetter reviews requests for documentation of a short-term acute illness, generally one to five days, when a physician independently determines documentation is clinically appropriate. It does not provide documentation for chronic or recurrent migraine management, disability, accommodation, mental-health leave, workplace injury, surgical recovery, or extended absences. Those situations need ongoing care or the relevant accommodation, benefits, or treating-provider process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call in sick because of a migraine?
If symptoms make it unsafe or unrealistic to perform your work, follow the employer’s absence-reporting process. Whether time is paid or documentation is required depends on the applicable law, workplace policy, contract, or collective agreement.
Do I need a sick note for a migraine?
There is no universal rule. Check the employer’s policy and the applicable provincial employment standards. A note may be relevant in some circumstances, but it does not decide the employer’s response.
When is a headache an emergency?
HealthLink BC advises emergency assessment for a sudden severe new headache or stroke-like symptoms. Fever with a stiff neck, inability to keep liquids down, or a new or changing headache also needs urgent clinical attention.
Can MedLetter help with recurring migraine accommodation?
No. Recurring migraines, disability accommodation, and extended absences require ongoing clinical care and the appropriate workplace or benefits process.
Source: HealthLink BC: Migraine Headaches
Related: Migraine-Related Short-Term Documentation | How to Submit a Sick Note to an Employer | Calling In Sick in Ontario