By Deborah Condon

Stress is the most common trigger for migraine headaches among Irish people, followed by eating certain foods, a new study by the Migraine Association of Ireland (MAI) has found.

Over 500 people with migraine took part in the study, which was carried out in conjunction with the migraine clinic at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.

According to the findings, over three-quarters of people claimed that stress was the most common trigger factor. Work stress was the most frequently mentioned type of stress. While people were found to be more prone to a direct attack in the 'let down' period after a stressful period, such as at the weekend or while on holiday.

Almost six in 10 (59%) people meanwhile said that their migraine patterns were directly linked to the food that they ate. The most common dietary triggers were chocolate, cheese and citrus fruits.

A further 49% identified irregular sleeping patterns as a trigger. Meanwhile in women, over 70% identified hormonal factors, predominantly menstrual, as playing a key role.

"Migraine is a neurological condition, so although these factors do not actually cause migraine as such, they can be responsible for brining about individual attacks in people who are susceptible", explained Esther Tomkins, a specialist migraine nurse at Beaumont Hospital.

While it is not fully understood how these triggers work, one theory suggests that they are linked to an overactive nervous system.

"People with migraine are more vulnerable to certain irritating stimuli. When one, two or several of these stimuli occur, the person's nervous system responds by activating a migraine attack", said Dr Edward O'Sullivan, director of the migraine clinic in Cork University Hospital.

Commenting on this issue, Peter Murphy of the MAI pointed out that not everybody has trigger factors. Furthermore where there are triggers, they tend to be very individual and are not limited to the ones identified in this study.

"Identifying trigger factors often takes time and commitment, but doing so can help reduce the number of attacks you experience. We recommend using a migraine diary for about six months to help identify potential triggers. Once identified, people can go about improving their quality of life by eliminating or reducing their exposure to their own particular triggers", Mr Murphy said.

Migraine currently affects around 400,000 people in Ireland. It is characterised by a severe, one-sided headache that can last up to three days. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and/or noise.

The study was carried out ahead of Migraine Action Week, which takes place September 12 - 18.

Two information meetings for the public will be held during that week, one in Galway and one in Dublin. To reserve a place at one of these meetings or for any information on migraine, contact the MAI at 1850 200 378 or see http://www.migraine.ie