11th November 2026
Migraine Myths and Facts: Expert Corner with Dr. Andrea Lorente
Migraine is the most common neurological condition, and it is classified by the World Health Organisation as the 7th most disabling disease in the world, and it is also one of the most misunderstood condition. According to the Migraine Association of Ireland, an estimated 880,000+ people in Ireland live with migraine. Despite this, many people go years without a diagnosis because of persistent migraine myths: that it's "just a headache", that it's caused by stress, or that nothing can be done.
We asked Dr. Andrea Lorente, consultant neurologist at Mater Private Network Dublin, to separate migraine myths from facts and explain what migraine treatment and prevention look like today.
Myth 1: "I don't get migraines, just frequent headaches."
Fact: Migraine is a neurological condition with a range of symptoms, and headache is only one of them.
Other migraine symptoms can include sensitivity to light, sound and strong smells, neck pain, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tingling, difficulty tolerating exercise, and brain fog. These symptoms can have a real impact on work, study, family life and social life. If you get frequent headaches with any of these symptoms, speak to your GP or a neurologist.
Myth 2: "Migraine is just stress."
Fact: Playing down migraine delays diagnosis and treatment.
People with migraine often find that others minimise how serious it is. This can stop a person from seeking medical help and lead them to underestimate their own symptoms, delaying both diagnosis and treatment.
Myth 3: "Only women get migraines, and they stop after menopause."
Fact: Migraine can affect anyone, at any age.
Some childhood syndromes present as migraine, and many men and women continue to have migraines well into later life.
Myth 4: "All you can do is take a painkiller and wait for it to pass."
Fact: There are many migraine treatments, including options that prevent attacks.
Migraine care goes well beyond managing an attack when it happens. Preventive treatments aim to reduce how often attacks occur and how severe they are, and to improve quality of life. A migraine diagnosis should always be made by a doctor, because other conditions can also cause headaches.
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Myth 5: "If you avoid your triggers, you won't get migraines."
Fact: Good prevention and timely pain management matter more than avoidance.
Some migraine triggers are well known. These include certain foods and drinks, such as chocolate, wine, strawberries, crisps and nuts, and certain activities or environments, such as exercise, sun exposure, bright light and screens. However, the goal is not a life of avoidance. Dr. Lorente encourages patients to move from avoiding everything towards good prevention and timely pain relief. When migraine is well controlled, you can live more freely without constantly worrying about the next attack.
Myth 6: "You should wait until migraines are severe before trying preventive treatment."
Fact: Frequent pain is not normal, and earlier treatment is now encouraged.
Many of us have been taught that pain is something to put up with. Living with ongoing pain of any kind significantly reduces quality of life and is linked with a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Internationally, migraine prevention is moving towards earlier, more proactive treatment, rather than waiting until migraines become chronic and harder to control.
Myth 7: "If one migraine treatment doesn't work, none will."
Fact: Migraine treatment is individual, and there are many options to try.
Migraine treatment is based on two main approaches: acute treatment to manage pain during an attack, and preventive (prophylactic) treatment to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks and break the cycle of pain. If one preventive treatment does not bring enough improvement, a different approach may work better. The range of options available today is broad.
Myth 8: "Preventive migraine treatments have terrible side effects."
Fact: Preventive treatments are well understood, and newer options are very well tolerated.
Dr. Lorente often sees patients who are more worried about possible side effects than about the impact migraine has had on their lives for years. Many established preventive treatments have been in use for decades, so doctors have a great deal of experience with them. If a side effect occurs, the treatment can be stopped and a different type of medication tried. Newer treatments have an excellent safety and tolerability profile.
When should you see a doctor about migraine?
Speak to your GP or a neurologist if you have frequent headaches, if headaches are affecting your work or daily life, if you are relying on painkillers regularly, or if your usual pattern of headaches changes. A sudden, severe headache, or a headache with symptoms such as weakness, confusion or difficulty speaking, needs urgent medical attention.
What should people living with migraine know?
Don't lose hope if a medication hasn't worked for you. Migraine treatment options include oral medications, nerve blocks, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, gepants and anti-CGRP medications, among other approaches. The first step is to see a neurologist for an accurate diagnosis, followed by guidance on the treatment that is right for you.
Is migraine treatment available at Mater Private Network?
Yes. Our Neurology service diagnoses and treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including migraine and other headache disorders. To make an appointment, ask your GP for a referral.
The above content was provided by Dr. Andrea Lorente, Consultant Neurologist at Mater Private Network in Dublin.
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