Christmas time can be migraine time for the half a million migraine sufferers in Ireland according to the Migraine Association of Ireland (MAI ). This means up to three days of symptoms including nausea, sometimes vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light, noise, and smells, and an intense throbbing headache.
“Many of the factors associated with Christmas are migraine triggers,” says the communications officer with the MAI, Jenny Costello. Triggers do not cause migraine but they can help to bring about an attack and some of the most common festive triggers include: stress, including the positive stress of excitement; disrupted sleeping patterns; bright or flashing lights; certain types of food or alcohol (dehydration ); changes in routine; long periods in front of a screen; certain scents; and flying.
The Migraine Association of Ireland advises that people keep a ‘migraine diary’ to record their attacks and to help identify and avoid potential triggers. In addition migraine sufferers should keep to a routine as much as possible, eat regularly, and stay hydrated.
For more information on migraine management visit www.migraine.ie or call 1850 200 378.
