You MIGHT be able to cure migraines with a McDonald's, say experts
A particular McDonald's food and drink combination may be able to ease migraine symptoms, experts say.
It comes after a video of a woman sampling the supposed headache cure - dubbed the McMigraine meal - went viral.
Since then, hundreds of TikTok users have confirmed that the order - consisting of a large Coke and fries - can stop migraine symptoms 'immediately'.
Although it might be a stretch to hail the sweet and salty combination as a miracle cure, the claim appears to have some truth to it.
Dr Amanda Ellison, a professor in neuroscience at Durham University, told The Times caffeine, complex sugars, salt and carbohydrates all help to alleviate the symptoms of a severe headache.
A large number of headaches are caused by the blood vessels around the brain dilating to increase oxygen flow, but caffeine will restrict these blood vessels, Ms Ellison explained.
She added: 'The sugar helps because generally with any kind of pain, but also with migraine, your sugars are all over the place, your hormones are all over the place, your electrolytes are all over the place … and generally we see this with people with migraine a lot earlier than they actually have pain.'
Since then hundreds of TikTok users have confirmed that the order - consisting of a large Coke and fries - can stop migraine symptoms 'immediately' (stock image)
TikTok user @MillyHancockk's video went viral after she put the theory to the test.
She captioned the clip: 'Trying McDonald's chips and a Diet Coke because I've had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help.'
In the caption, she added: 'Can confirm it works' along with a laughing crying emoji.
The TikToker, whose clip has been viewed nearly 4 million times, drew in hordes of commentators, many of whom came to confirm the hack works for them as well.
One person commented: 'I work in neurology and our headache specialist literally recommends this to patients'.
Another added: 'I know it's just the salt and caffeine but every time I have a migraine or even one coming on I get a coke and a fry and it's immediately cured'.
A third explained: 'So basically Coke & fries help headaches because caffeine tightens blood vessels, sugar boost blood glucose, and salty carbs rebalance electrolytes.'
Others suggested slight amendments to the hack.
'As a diet coke lover and migraine sufferer, diet won't do it you need the regular coke,' one said.
'Whoever told you Diet Coke was playing, it's gotta be a full fat and salty chips. Works everytime,' another added.
But, although the meal might help ease a headache, it is unlikely that migraine sufferers would actually be able to stomach a large meal during the pain stage of a true migraine attack, according to Ms Ellison.
And, there is also the potential for caffeine, salt and fast food to cause a migraine, David Walker, a headache specialist at Rush University Medical Center, told Verywell.
'It's great that this helps certain individuals. I don't think it should be generalized because on the flip side of things, fried foods can trigger migraines,' Walker said.
Migraine v headache, how to tell the difference
A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head.
It is a common health condition, affecting around one in every five women and around one in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.
There are several types of migraine, some have warning signs such as flashing lights in vision others don't.
Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week while others can have years between attacks.
You should see a GP if you have frequent or severe migraine symptoms, classified by the NHS as on more than five days a month.
The exact cause of migraines is unknown but they are thought be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain.
Some sufferers know certain triggers like particular food or drinks or stress can cause or increase the risk of a migraine.
The NHS says there is no cure for migraines though certain medications and behaviour changes can reduce the symptoms or frequency of attacks.
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