In the coming weeks boxes of chocolate Easter eggs will begin to stack up in living rooms across the country but, for half a million people in Ireland, Easter can become one big headache … or migraine.
Migraine can be set in motion by factors known as triggers. These can include stress, hormonal fluctuations, changes in routine, certain environmental factors, and sometimes chocolate.
“While chocolate can trigger migraine – diet is only a factor in about 20 per cent of cases, and chocolate accounts for an even smaller percentage,” says Donna Ryan, information officer at the Migraine Association of Ireland (MAI ).
“Unless your attack starts almost immediately after you consume the chocolate, then more than likely it is not your trigger,” says Ryan, “But it’s not all bad news if chocolate is the culprit. Try organic or dark options – as it may be the milk, the additives, etc, at play.”
The MAI says that keeping a diary in an attempt to identify trigger factors is a key part of any migraine management strategy.
For further information on migraine see: www.migraine.ie or call the MAI helpline on 1850 200 378. You can also request a migraine diary on the above number or by emailing [email protected]
