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It could seem simplistic but before you can light upon a remedy for migraine you need to become a detective and establish what is causing it. Do you know what your migraine trigger is? Read on to learn about an unusual one.

There are numerous possible causes of migraine, and sometimes they are dietary. But when asked which foods are most commonly suspected of causing migraines, most people will quickly suggest "red wine, chocolate and cheese".

They may be surprised to read that as long ago as 1979 in a study on migraine and food intolerances published in the famous Lancet, eggs were among the most common foods cited as problematic.

As it happens, eggs are one of the most prevalent allergens. They are also one of the most reliable to test for - unlike some foods.

Unfortunately, egg is in a great number of things, from baked goods to cake icing, and it is incorrect that cooking renders it safe! Children with migraines are often allergic to eggs and at least two other trigger foods, and can gain relief just by cutting out these foods from their diet. However, because eggs are an important source of protein, they should not be removed from your diet unless you are sure they're causing you a problem. A food intolerance test or trial exclusion for three weeks can give you sufficient evidence to have a meaningful discussion with a qualified health professional as to whether exclusion will be beneficial.

A surprising place where egg is found is in vaccines. Steps have been taken to prevent exposure to egg by deriving the vaccines from embryos, but recent developments appear to show that even minimal exposure to chicken produce of any sort can be harmful.

For people who are highly sensitive even inhalation could be dangerous. Workers in a confectionery factory breathing the powdered egg white present in the decorative icing suffered asthmatic attacks, so exposure to an egg allergen is probable even if you are not eating eggs!

Egg white can even be found in vaginal suppositories or in nappy rash ointment, and if an allergic reaction as severe as asthma or anaphylactic shock is possible, why not a migraine?

The unfortunate thing about small children and food allergies is their inability to convey the point that something is wrong. Also, misdiagnosis is common, caused by the inability of parents or doctors to accurately record symptoms.

A child who has consumed ice cream and regularly suffered a migraine afterwards could be allergic to the milk or the eggs in the product, and a firm determination is necessary to clarify which it is.

Eggs are such a strong allergen that often doctors recommend not serving eggs to children under two, as once an allergen is triggered, the body can build up a memory around it and it may cause you more problems down the line.

There are several foods that if avoided or given very infrequently can prevent a red flag going up in a child's immune system. Eggs are a bit of a conundrum, what with the yolk and the white - recently, studies have shown that while the yolk of the egg is high in cholesterol, the white contains the means to combat it.

Normally, after 12 months with no adverse effects, you can begin to reintroduce foods one at a time. If migraines restart, you will know you uncovered a major trigger, and do your best to avoid it in the future.

Eggs are good for you - except when they're not!