Characteristics of migraines or severe headaches
Migraines are a serious and chronic form of headache. A migraine attack can last anywhere from several hours to multiple days. The pain of a migraine attack is usually concentrated on one side of your head and is extremely severe and throbbing. Many students with migraines – or another form of severe headache such as tension headaches – find it impossible to study during an attack. This may result in a study delay.
This is what I deal with
Obstacles faced by students with migraines or severe headaches
- Lack of energy. You often experience a lowered energy level as a result of your chronic illness. This may negatively impact your ability to keep up with course work, attend lectures and take exams.
- Trouble with planning and organising. Sometimes, a migraine can come on suddenly and make it impossible for you to stick to your schedule. You are not sure where to start and have a hard time planning ahead. You are unsure what you should do when and would like help in this area.
- Concentration problems. You have a hard time staying focused on a task because you frequently suffer from headaches or migraine attacks. You would like to receive tips and support to help you focus on your classes and successfully complete your assignments.
- Problems with an internship or a job. It is difficult for you to find – or keep – an internship spot. Maybe you are unable to complete the number of internship hours required by your degree programme.
- Problems with the attendance requirement. You cannot always be present for lectures, either due to fatigue or because you have a doctor’s appointment or hospital visit.
- Problems with tests/exams or in class. You are not always able to study for your tests or exams. Maybe you need more time to learn the material, or you would benefit from spacing out the exams and other assignments over a longer period.
Even though these obstacles may cause difficulties, you can rest assured that more than enough tools and solutions are available that can help you successfully complete your degree programme. In the preceding section, click on the obstacle you are facing with which you could use some help. You can then read a lot more about that topic and find additional tips and tools. If your specific obstacle is not mentioned above, please refer to the comprehensive list of obstacles.
This is what I might need
Support and facilities for students with migraines or severe headaches
- Adjusted study schedule. It is possible that you will be unable to attend lectures and will incur a study delay as a result. You should talk to your study adviser about whether it is possible for you to have additional time to complete your courses. You might also ask whether a more lenient attendance policy is possible.
- Financial schemes. Your chronic illness might cause you to incur a study delay or prevent you from holding a part-time job. A variety of financial schemes are available from the Education Executive Agency (DUO), the municipality in which you live and your educational institution.
- Educational aids. Ask your study adviser if a low-stimulus study area is available for you to study in peace and quiet. You can also ask for extra time to take your tests or exams.
Have a look at the other facilities that might be helpful for you, too.
Tips
Do not wait to ask for help
Every student is different, and every individual needs a different type of help. It is important to explore the options and find what works for you. Do not be afraid to ask for help at the first signs of trouble. Asking for help is actually a sign of strength, because it lets others know how much you want to succeed in your degree programme. Talk to a study adviser for your programme and ask them about the possibilities available to you. It is a good idea to take a moment first to write down what you need and what kind of support you think would be helpful to you. You should immediately seek help if you run into obstacles to your education because of your special needs. Together, you can explore whether this might affect rules such as the binding study advice (BSA) or the attendance requirement and how they apply to you.
If you encounter obstacles in your education, do not wait to report them
If you run into obstacles as a result of your special needs, you can look at how this will affect rules such as the BSA or the attendance requirement together.
Tips and information on overstimulation
View tips and information (Dutch) on overstimulation in brain disorders here.
Organisations
Through the tool 'Hulpwijzer'[Help Guide], you can find organisations that have expertise on your support needs. Check out the possibilities.