What neurologists had to say about McDonald’s order going viral for ‘curing’ migraines

If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to suffer a migraine, you know you’d be prepared to do just about anything to shake it off.

According to a viral hack doing the rounds on TikTok, that could be as simple as ordering McDonald’s.

While not normally associated with promoting health, people are swearing by one particular order at the fast food giant, saying it “cured” them of throbbing head pain.

And there may be some science to back up the claim.

Matthew Robbins, a neurologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, says it is not total nonsense, there are reasons it could work for some people — but it was not a cure-all.

The so-called “migraine meal” is a large Coke and a large order of fries.

And no, Hungry Jack’s or KFC won’t do, according to those promoting the hack.

Some vary the meal slightly, claiming a cheeseburger or milkshake also has the power to heal a migraine.

Dr Robbins told Today he’d heard of the McDonald’s hack and many others, including one in which people say their go-to is a warm can of full strength Coke.

He warned there was never a “one size-fits-all approach” to migraine and in fact some people might find the meal triggers an attack.

For those who find it works, Amanda Ellison, a neuroscience professor at Durham University, said the caffeine in the Coke acted as a vasoconstrictor, narrowing blood vessels.

“This helps counteract the dilation of blood vessels that occurs during a migraine – a key trigger for pain,” she wrote for The Conversation.

“Meanwhile, the sugar and salt in Coke and fries may help restore balance to blood sugar and electrolytes, both of which can be disrupted during a migraine attack.”

Dr Robbins said a non-headache symptom usually happens just before a migraine.

“Most people with migraine experience what we call a prodrome, where there’s some non-headache symptom that happens before the headache starts,” he said.

This could be sensitivity to light or sound, stomach upset, changes in mood, neck aches, and cravings for sweet and salty food.

While it might work for some people, Dr Robbins says there are healthier ways to ease the symptoms of a migraine than a McDonald’s meal.

“We know migraine is associated with worse cardiovascular health,” Robbins says. “And, obviously, having a fatty meal and a big caffeinated soda is not really good for you in general.”

He continued: “If someone finds that they improve with this hack, that’s great for them. But if they’re using it often, that’s not good for you either.”

Dr Ellison said migraines are complex, personal and frustratingly unpredictable.

“But knowledge is power. And while no single solution works for everyone, recognising the prodrome phase and supporting your nervous system before pain sets in may be your best shot at heading off an attack,” she wrote.

“Whether it’s recognising the craving for chocolate as a biological warning sign, sipping iced water, getting a hug, or yes – even reaching for a Coke and fries – these small interventions have roots in brain science.

“They reflect our body’s efforts to protect itself. Developing your personal treatments based on how your brain responds can help you stay one step ahead of the pain.”