Neurologist reveals the McDonald's meal that can instantly beat a migraine: 'It's miraculous!'

Daily Mail​

05-05-2025

A top neurologist has revealed a surprising—and, she claims, science-backed—method to help stave off a migraine.
Sufferers of the debilitating headache condition typically rely on painkillers and other medication in order to prevent an attack.
Yet in a viral TikTok, expert Dr Jessica Lowe, a US based specialist, said that consuming 'a large Coke' and fries from McDonalds can stop a migraine in its tracks.
In the clip, which has amassed more than seven million views, she outlined the 'McDonald's migraine hack', well-known to those that suffer with the ailment.
Dr Lowe, who admits suffering chronic migraines, said: 'The order is a large Coke and a large fries. And this somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away.'
She goes on to explain that caffeine Coca Cola and salt on the fries is what makes the simple hack so effective.
'So first of all, a large Coke [roughly 950ml] from McDonald's has about 80 milligrams of caffeine in it. Right there is probably enough to stop your migraine in its tracks.'
Caffeine is thought to help relieve severe headaches by constricting blood vessels in the brain, reducing inflammation and pressure.
It can also block the action of the neurotransmitter adenosine, which increases during migraine attacks and causes pain.
'Also, McDonald's is well known to have some of the saltiest fries around. Salts, electrolytes. Easy,' she added.
Imbalances in electrolytes, which are essential minerals like sodium, can trigger migraines. So eating more salty foods will increase your sodium intake and help alleviate migraine pain and reduce the frequency of attacks.
'And then of course, fries or carbs. A lot of people have migraines that are provoked by hunger or just their glucose starting to drop, so those carbs are certainly gonna help out in that department,' Dr Lowe said.
Migraines affect an estimated 10 million people in the UK—and 33 per cent of women with the condition are said to have carried it into adulthood, in comparison to 13 per cent of men.
According to the NHS, attacks 'usually feel like a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on one side', however there are several other distressing symptoms.
Before a migraine hits, sufferers may feel tired, crave certain foods of experience changes in mood or a stiff neck.
Others warning signs include vision problems, such as seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights, numbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needles, dizziness and difficulty speaking.
The attacks are thought to be caused by abnormal brain activity that temporarily affects nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain—however the exact cause remains unknown.
But the neurologist warned the tasty McDonalds option may not be the healthiest. Instead, you can find between 60 to 65 mg of caffeine in over the counter migraine relief like Panmigrol.
'The dose is typically two. So that'll put you between 120 and 130 milligrams of caffeine. That's an easy way to get the caffeine components of this cocktail.'
While she also suggested having sports drinks like Powerade is another easy way to increase your electrolytes and will also reduce dehydration.
Finishing off, the doctor added: 'But with that being said, you know, we are all human, and when you are feeling unwell, sometimes you just want some comfort food. I get it. Not knocking the hack, just don't make a habit of it.'