Will Santa bring you a migraine this Christmas?
Will Santa bring you a migraine this Christmas? To avoid festive attacks – start planning now
Christmas can be a stressful time of year, but with advance planning you can stop the festive season becoming one big headach . . . or migraine!
"Christmas is supposed to be a joyful time of year," says Donna Ryan, Information Officer at the Migraine Association of Ireland [MAI], "However, for the 500,000 people affected by migraine nationwide – an attack can completely ruin the holidays."
According to the MAI, trigger factors for migraine attacks are everywhere at Christmas – from seasonal stress to festive foods to changes in routine.
"Avoidance is not the correct strategy – why avoid something that may not be a trigger for you?" says Ryan, "The key is working out your triggers in advance and either minimising or eliminating these from your lifestyle."
The MAI advises those affected to keep a migraine diary – tracking their headache days, symptoms, medications and any potential trigger factors for attacks. The diary should be kept for 3 to 4 attacks, and then analysed for patterns or combinations.
The most frequently cited triggers are common at Christmas and include stress and anxiety, lights, alcohol, strong odours, weather, certain foodstuffs and changes to sleeping patterns.
"Food is only a factor in about 20% of cases, so we really discourage people from cutting whole food groups from their diets without evidence," says Ryan, "Remember triggers are very individual, so keep a detailed diary and look for combinations of triggers that tip you over your migraine threshold."
Migraine affects 12-15% of the population, and is classified by the World Health Organisation as one of the top 20 leading causes of disability worldwide.
Symptoms include a one sided throbbing headache, sensitivity to noise/light/smells and nausea/vomiting. In 20% of cases there will be further sensory symptoms such as visual distortions, pins and needles, affected speech, confusion, numbness and more.
To learn more about migraine call the MAI helpline on 1850 200 378, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit http://www.migraine.ie http://www.waterford-today.ie/waterford-lifestyle/15040-will-santa-bring-you-a-migraine-this-christmas-15040.html