Does TikTok's 'McMigraine' Trick Really Cure Headache?

McDonald's mealAccording to some TikTok users, the solution to pulsing headaches lies in an unlikely source.Some claim that eating a portion of McDonald’s fries with a cold container of full-sugar Coca-Cola will banish migraines. “It works,” an app user who’d had a headache for 48 hours opined. But what’s the science behind the supposed cure-all, and is it legit? Here’s what Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, says. @millyhancockkCan confirm it works 😭♬ original sound - Franklin SaintIt might help in the short term, but could make migraines worse in the long run“A reason why the McDonald’s trick seems to work is that a large Coke at McDonald’s contains 53g of sugar and around 48mg of caffeine, which has long been used to lessen migraine symptoms,” Dr Parmar said. But, she cautioned, “even though it can help stop the early stages of migraine pain, it may not be worth it in the long run.” That’s partly down to the caffeine content.The stimulant helps to reduce inflammation, “decreases the pressure on the brain, increases the benefits of pain relief like ibuprofen,” and can provide a brief respite from migraines for those who don’t consume it regularly, the doctor explained. However, caffeine is a very common headache trigger, and those who drink large amounts on the reg could even end up with caffeine withdrawal headaches. “As much as this hack may work for some people, it’s not the healthiest solution,” Dr Parmar continued. “Opting for fast food as a quick fix to solve your migraine problems is also unlikely to produce any long-lasting benefits, instead offering a short relief from symptoms.” How should I actually manage a migraine?The NHS said eating at regular times and drinking less caffeine may help those with migraines, while Dr Parmar advised: “Avoid bright lights and loud noises, stick to a sleep routine and avoid distractions before bed, don’t skip meals, and always ensure you’re getting gentle exercise daily.“And to ease a migraine, lie down in a dark room, use a cold compress, and take pain relief.” If you have severe, worsening migraines, if they’re getting worse, if they’re affecting you more around your period, and if you have them more than once a week, speak to your GP.If you have had a migraine for more than 72 hours, if symptoms like seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights, numbness, a “pins and needles”-type tingling, dizziness, and difficulty speaking last more than an hour, or if you have one while pregnant or freshly postpartum, call 111 or book an urgent GP appointment. And the NHS says you should call 999 or go to A&E if you notice: a headache that comes on suddenly and is extremely painfulproblems speaking or remembering thingslosing your vision or having blurred vision or double visionfeeling drowsy or confusedhaving a seizure or fithaving a very high temperature and symptoms of meningitisbeing unable to move or having weakness in the arms or legs on one side of your body, or one side of your face. Do not drive yourself to A&E.Related...I Tried TikTok's Spoon Trick To Clean My Sieve, And I'm Never Going BackIs Self-Diagnosing ADHD From TikTok So Bad? I Asked A PsychotherapistThe 1 Sign You're A Little Too Addicted To TikTok

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