A direct method for estimating the compensating income variation for severe headache and migraine.

A subjective quality of life measurement method is introduced to calculate the compensating income variation for diseases and handicaps. This approach avoids some of the limitations of existing methods. The method is based on the direct measurement of life satisfaction of individuals. We apply the method to severe headache and migraine. It is found that severe headache and migraine have a large effect on well being and that the compensating income variation for severe headache and migraine is substantial.