The Migraine Association of Ireland and Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland have created the first ever podcast series produced in Ireland which highlights the real impact on people living with migraine, entitled Beyond Migraine.

Approximately 12- 15% of the population in the Republic of Ireland live with this condition, equating to roughly 500,000 people. Teva conducted national research among people living with migraine in Ireland to explore the impact the disease has on their quality of life, which has informed the content of the Beyond Migraine podcast. It is hoped that this series will improve wider public awareness about the impact on the quality of life that affects people living with migraine.

The series comprises of six episodes, bringing together leading healthcare professionals working in the area of migraine, alongside people living with the condition to address a range of topics including mental health, exercise, understanding triggers, the workplace and how to cope with an unexpected migraine.

Migraine and Your Mental Health addresses the key questions and concerns living with migraine can have on your mental health. Dr Sabina Brennan, Irish Neuroscientist, Aoife Gallagher and Jane Whelan, who both live with migraine, join host Debbie Hutchinson to discuss issues such as the link between migraine and mental health, what people with migraine can do to reduce stress and anxiety and coping with the emotions of feeling you may be a burden on family and friends. Listen to the trailer here

This podcast is supported by funding from Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland.  Speakers have received honoraria for their contribution to this podcast.

If you have been affected by any of the topics or themes discussed in this episode, you can contact AWARE on freephone 1800 80 48 48 or the Samaritans on 116 123.

Migraine and the Influence of Hormones looks at how migraine can be influenced heavily by hormones. At various stages of life, hormones can be more active than others for example at the onset of puberty, establishing a menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Host Debbie Hutchinson is joined by Anna Daly, Irish television presenter on Virgin Media and Dr Mary Kearney, GP with a special interest in migraine and co-author of the ICGP Migraine Quick Reference Guide.

This podcast is supported by funding from Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland.  Speakers have received honoraria for their contribution to this podcast.

In episode three, Migraine and Exercise host Debbie Hutchinson is joined by former Irish international football legend Tony Cascarino who lives with migraine, Dr Edward O’Sullivan, director of the Cork Migraine/Headache Clinic and Julie Sugrue, clinical specialist physiotherapist at the University of Limerick Hospital Group with a special interest in migraine. This episode will take a deep dive into the benefits of exercise for those who live with migraine, but also examines what alternatives there may be if physical activity is a trigger for migraine.

This podcast is supported by funding from Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland.  Speakers have received honoraria for their contribution to this podcast.

Understanding Migraine Triggers sees Debbie Hutchinson joined by Irish influencer and former Miss Ireland, Aoife Walsh and Dr Sinead Beirne, GP Lead at St. Vincent’s University Hospital Headache Clinic, Director of The Headache Clinic, Dublin 8 and resident Doctor on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM. In this episode they discuss and examine what can trigger an attack and how people can manage these triggers.

This podcast is supported by funding from Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland.  Speakers have received honoraria for their contribution to this podcast.

In episode five, Migraine and the Workplace host Debbie Hutchinson is joined by Esther Tomkins, Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Migraine Clinic, Beaumont Hospital and cookbook author and trained chef Nicola Halloran (The Wonky Spatula), where they discuss working with migraine, and give listeners tips on how to manage stressful and busy periods in life.

This podcast is supported by funding from Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland.  Speakers have received honoraria for their contribution to this podcast.

The onset of an unexpected migraine can be a terrifying event for both the person experiencing it and those around them who may try to help. In How to Cope with an Unexpected Migraine, host Debbie Hutchinson is joined in conversation with Patrick Little, CEO, Migraine Association of Ireland, Ciara O’Rourke who lives with migraine and Dr Martin Ruttledge, Consultant Neurologist at the Hermitage Clinic. This episode will give listeners practical tips and advice on what to do if they experience an unexpected migraine.

This podcast is supported by funding from Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland.  Speakers have received honoraria for their contribution to this podcast.

All episodes were recorded in March 2021.

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Beyond Migraine podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the Migraine Association of Ireland or Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. To ensure correct adverse event reporting, healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to use their national competent authority reporting scheme or you can also report via: www.tevapharm.com/contact-us/

This podcast is supported by funding from Teva pharmaceuticals Ireland.  Speakers have received honoraria for their contribution to this podcast.