It may sound an over-simplification but before you can find a remedy for migraine you need to become a detective and discover what is at the root of it. Do you know what your migraine trigger is? Read on to discover an unusual one.

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

They may be surprised to learn that as long ago as 1979 in a study on migraine and food intolerances published in the authoritative Lancet, eggs were amongst 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 many food items, from baked goods to cake icing, and it is a myth that cooking renders it safe! Children with migraines are commonly allergic to eggs and at least two other trigger foods, and can gain relief just by eliminating these foods from their diet. However, since eggs are an important source of protein, they should not be left out from the diet unless you are certain they're causing you a problem. A food intolerance test or trial exclusion for three weeks ought to give you enough evidence to have a meaningful discussion with a qualified health professional as to whether exclusion will be beneficial.

A surprising place where egg is common is in vaccines. Measures have been taken to prevent exposure to egg by deriving the vaccines from embryos, but recent developments appear to show that even the slightest exposure to chicken produce of any kind may be dangerous.

For those who are highly sensitive even inhalation could be harmful. Workers in a confectionery factory inhaling the powdered egg white found in the decorative icing suffered asthmatic attacks, so exposure to an egg allergen is possible even though you are avoiding eating eggs!

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

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

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

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

There are several foods that if avoided or given very occasionally 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 start to reintroduce foods one at a time. If migraines return, you will know you found a major trigger, and do your best to avoid it in the future.

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