McDonald's migraine meal myth busted, neurologist reveals shocking truth behind viral hack

West Australian

03-06-2025

Migraine sufferers around the world have been testing out a viral new remedy that is said to cure throbbing head pain.
The hack? It's as simple as ordering a large Coke and fries from McDonald's.
While not normally associated with promoting health, people are swearing by the fast-food order dubbed the 'McMigraine Meal.'
Despite hundreds of people taking to social media to claim the meal has completely stopped their migraines, some neurologists have warned it is too good to be true.
Professor Tissa Wijeratne, a senior neurologist from Migraine Foundation Australia, said that while there can be some marginal benefits to the viral hack, including hydration and boosting the body with electrolytes, it is only a 'temporary' solution and doesn't fix the root cause of migraines.
'It's only fixing the chicken rather than the egg. These symptoms are not the cause,' he told Sunrise.
Mr Wijeratne warned that consuming the migraine meal will only lead to 'more problems' instead of answers.
He said only acute migraine medication should be used for treatment of acute migraine attacks, which should be taken as early as possible instead of 'relying on this sort of junk cure.'
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
.
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.'