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The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I'm a neurologist and this is why the McDonald's hack for a migraine works a trick
WHEN a migraine hits, most of us make a beeline for a dark room and hope the painkillers kick in fast. But what if popping into a Maccies could help stave off your throbbing headache? 2 2 According to neurologist Dr Jessica Lowe, a large Coke and chips could "miraculously make your migraine go away" due to a few key ingredients. Know as the " McDonald's migraine hack", the US-based specialist said the trick "is relatively well known" to people who frequently suffer from migraines. In a now viral video posted to TikTok and Instagram, Dr Lowe - who suffers from migraine attacks herself - broke down just why the hack might work for some people. "I'm a neurologist with migraines. Ain't that ironic?" she said in the clip. "The order is a large Coke and a large order of fries. And this somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away. "This can be easily explained." The hack's efficacy comes down to caffeine, salt and carbs, the neurologist said. "So, first of all, a large Coke from McDonald's has about 80 milligrams of caffeine in it." That amount of caffeine alone "is probably enough to stop your migraine in its tracks", Dr Lowe claimed. According to The Migraine Trust, caffeine may help stop a migraine attack for some people, while for others it may trigger it - so whether or not a large Cola eases your headache will very much depend on the person. I battled mystery headaches for ten years - doctors thought I'd had a stroke but it was something much rarer "Also, McDonald's is well known to have some of the saltiest fries around," Dr Lowe went on. "Salts, electrolytes. Easy." Some people may find that electrolytes - such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium - can help ease migraines, as dehydration can trigger the headache. "And then of course, fries or carbs," Dr Low said. "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." However, the doctor did point out that the McDonald's migraine hack may not be the healthiest road to go down - it is fast food after all and you'd do well not to resort to it too often. She said "Are there healthier ways to accomplish this? Yes. "Fun fact one tablet of Excedrin has I think 60 to 65 milligrams of caffeine in it. "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." Excedrin is an over-the-counter headache pain reliever. Anadin or Soldadeine are UK equivalents that contain caffeine. If you're after a dose of electrolytes, Dr Lowe advised you "chug a Gatorade" instead of a fizzy drink. "This will likely also help with hydration in addition to the electrolytes," she added. "So two birds, one stone. As for a dose of carbs, the neurologist said: "It's probably not difficult to find a carbohydrate that is healthier than deep fried potatoes, so go for gold. "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," Dr Lowe advised. How is migraine treated? Often the only way to get rid of a migraine is to take painkillers and sleep it off. Sufferers normally rest up in a dark room until it has passed - which can be up to 72 hours. There are many options for migraine that can be tried - some help at the point of migraine and others are preventative. And there are new treatments coming onto the market that are not just repurposed drugs for other conditions. Triptans Triptans reduce the pain and sickness of a migraine attack at the time they are taken. Naratriptan and frovatriptan usually take longer to reach their maximum effect but their effect lasts longer. But if a patient's attacks peak quite quickly, a triptan such as sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, eletriptan or rizatriptan may be more appropriate. Two doses of any triptan are allowed in 24 hours and they should not be used more than 10 days in a month. Analgesics This is medication that treats the pain of a migraine attack at the time they are taken and includes paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Prophylactics Prophylactics are preventative medicines for migraines taken every day. Most preventive medications currently available are repurposed from other conditions. They include: Angiotensin II blockers (for hypertension) Anti-convulsants (for epilepsy) Anti-serotonergic drugs (for depression) Beta-blockers (for hypertension) Calcium channel blockers Tricyclic antidepressants CGRP monoclonal antibodies (described below) Botox injections Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is a type of nerve toxin that paralyses muscles. It was discovered that those who had the cosmetic injections had fewer headaches. Botox is approved for use on the NHS for the treatment of chronic migraine - at least 15 headache days a month - in adults who have tried other treatments. Doctors think it works by blocking chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from within your brain. CGRP monoclonal antibodies Calcitonin gene-related peptide antibodies (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a new type of treatment for migraine. CGRP mAbs are the first preventive medicines specifically developed for the treatment of migraine. Several are now available on the NHS. This includes erenumab (brand name Aimovig), fremanezumab (Ajovy), galcanezumab (Emgality) and eptinezumab (Vyepti). The drugs target CGRP, released by the nerves and blood vessels during a migraine attack. It is thought to cause pain. The new drugs target CGRP to prevent migraine developing. All of the medicines are taken by injection, either monthly or every few months. Gepants Gepants are like the tablet form of the injectable CGRPs antibodies described above. There are currently three gepants – ubrogepant (not yet on the NHS), atogepant and rimegepant - and others in development. They are CGRP receptor antagonists. Gepants bind to the CGRP receptors on nerves and block its effects. Gepants (unlike triptans) do not constrict or tighten the blood vessel. They prevent them from dilating. This makes them safer for people with heart issues and they can be used in people with cardiovascular disease. Early indications suggests that gepants may be the first acute treatment not associated with medication overuse headache. Due to this, they may also be used as a preventive treatment. Greater Occipital Nerve (GON) block There are injections which contain small doses of local anaesthetic and/or steroid which is injected around the greater occipital nerve - which travels up each side of the back of the head. Evidence suggests a GON block can provide short-term benefit to some people with migraine, reducing how often migraines occur and their severity. Around one in three people do not see any benefit from a GON block. Lifestyle measures If none of these treatments help a patient's symptoms, or they're getting worse, a referral to a specialist may be made. A GP may also recommend making changes to lifestyle to help manage migraines, such as eating at regular times and drinking less caffeine. These include: Eat meals at regular times Exercise Get plenty of sleep Manage stress Drink plenty of water and less alcohol and caffeine Limit trigger foods, such as spicy food
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Neurologist explains why the viral McDonald's 'migraine hack' works
A doctor shared the simple trick that "miraculously" stops migraines - and why it works Migraine sufferers usually try everything to prevent headaches from coming on, whether it's prescription medications or old wives' tales. Many will have found a go-to method that works for them but now, a neurologist has taken to TikTok with a solution that "miraculously" stops migraines. Dr Jessica Lowe, MD, often shares videos about symptoms or advice on TikTok as @doctorbrainbarbie. In a recent clip, she discussed a well-known hack that beats headaches - and broke down why it works. According to the neurologist, who said she suffers from migraines herself, the cure to a migraine is quite simple: a large Coke and a large fries from McDonald's. The doctor claims the trick "somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away." Introducing the video, she said: "McDonald's migraine hack explained by a neurologist. I'm Doctor Jessica Lowe, I'm a double-boarded neurologist and epileptologist. I also am a chronic migraine sufferer. "I'm a neurologist with migraines. Ain't that ironic? People reached out asking me to explain the McDonald's migraine hack. This is a hack that's relatively well known in the migraine community. "The order is a large Coke and a large order of fries. And this somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away. This can be easily explained." Next, Dr Lowe broke down the McDonald's order and why it really works on migraines. She added: "So first of all, a large Coke from McDonald's has about 80 milligrams of caffeine in it. Right there is probably enough to stop your migraine in its tracks. "Also, McDonald's is well known to have some of the saltiest fries around. Salts, electrolytes. Easy. "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." However, the doctor did point out that the 'hack' may not be the healthiest solution to use. She added: "Are there healthier ways to accomplish this? Yes. Fun fact one tablet of Excedrin [an over-the-counter headache pain reliever] has I think 60 to 65 milligrams of caffeine in it. "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. "Electrolytes - chug a Gatorade. This will likely also help with hydration in addition to the electrolytes. So two birds, one stone. "Then, carbohydrates. It's probably not difficult to find a carbohydrate that is healthier than deep fried potatoes, so go for gold." 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."
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Toddler dies after hours without food; mother blames migraine
*Attached video: Cleveland crime by the numbers CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (WJW) – A Missouri mother has been arrested and charged in the death of her toddler after investigators say the 1-year-old was not fed for nearly two days and subsequently passed away. According to a press release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a division of the Department of Public Safety, the Cape Girardeau Police Department and the MSHP Division of Drug and Crime Control began the investigation into the suspicious death of a one-year-old child. Firefighters respond to local industrial fire According to the release, 21-year-old Alyssa Wehmeyer was arrested on March 3 after it was determined that the child suffered from severe malnutrition and neglect, resulting in the child's death. According to PEOPLE, a warrant arrest document showed that Wehmeyer is accused of not feeding the child for about 43 hours. A probable cause affidavit also confirmed that an autopsy determined that the child's cause of death was dehydration, according to PEOPLE. According to PEOPLE, the documents showed that it was determined the child had been left unattended in their crib for almost 19 hours. Police chase into small, local village ends in deadly crash According to PEOPLE, the probable cause affidavit stated Wehmeyer blamed the neglect on the fact that she had a migraine, had taken three Excedrin and had taken a nap. Wehmeyer was taken to the Scott County Jail and then officially charged with one count of abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death on Tuesday, according to the release. Wehmeyer is currently being held on a $100,000 cash bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
A toddler died after allegedly being denied food for two days. Mom blamed it on ‘a migraine,' cops say
A toddler in Missouri is dead from severe malnutrition after not being fed for nearly two full days, according to authorities. Alyssa Nicole Wehmeyer, 21, was arrested Monday on one count of abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death, a warrant filed in Cape Girardeau Circuit Court shows. She is being held at the Scott County Jail on $100,000 cash bond. Cape Girardeau sits about 115 miles southeast of St. Louis. An autopsy found the child, who was reportedly 1 year old, hadn't eaten for approximately 43 hours, according to the warrant and an accompanying probable cause affidavit, which says medical examiners found 'very little evidence of food in the stomach.' Wehmeyer does not have an attorney listed in court records and was unable to be reached for comment. The Cape Girardeau Police Department found the child's body on February 28th at Wehmeyer's home, and requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the probable cause affidavit states. Investigators later interviewed Wehmeyer, who said the child had last eaten on February 26th between 5 and 6 p.m., according to the affidavit. It says Wehmeyer told police that she changed the child's diaper on February 27th, between 5:30 and 6 p.m., and put the toddler to bed at roughly 6:30 p.m. 'At this time, it had been roughly 24-hours since [the child] had eaten,' the affidavit states. On February 28th, the child woke up crying at around 2 a.m., at which point Wehmeyer held them for 30 to 40 minutes, then laid them back down in their crib, the affidavit goes on. She didn't check up on the child until about 1 p.m. that afternoon, and 'noticed [its] lips were blue and was not breathing,' the affidavit continues. 'I asked Wehmeyer about the severe blisters on [the child's] buttocks from diaper rash,' the police investigator wrote in the affidavit. 'Wehmeyer informed us that it had been nearly nineteen hours since she last changed [its] diaper.' By now, the child hadn't eaten in more than 36 hours and had been left unattended for nearly 19 hours, according to the affidavit. 'Wehmeyer informed us that she should have taken [the child] to the doctor on the 27th and should have changed [its] diaper more regularly, but she had a migraine,' the affidavit states. 'Wehmeyer stated she had taken three Excedrin and laid down for a nap while at home alone with [the child]. At one point during the interview, Wehmeyer informed us that she didn't contact anyone to seek medical treatment regarding malnutrition or the severe diaper rash.' In total, the warrant for Wehmeyer's arrest alleges, the child hadn't eaten in some 43 hours. Wehmeyer was arrested at the conclusion of the interview and taken to jail. She has no prior criminal history, according to the affidavit. If convicted, Wehmeyer faces a minimum sentence of 15 years. She will make her first court appearance on Thursday.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Cape Girardeau mother charged in toddler's malnutrition death
GASCONADE COUNTY, Mo. – A Cape Girardeau, Missouri, woman will appear in court Thursday morning for allegedly causing the death of her own child. According to court documents, Alyssa N. Wehmeyer, 21, is accused of not feeding her child for approximately 43 hours. The child was found dead on Feb. 28. The cause of death was determined to be dehydration. The autopsy also found 'very little evidence of food in the [child's] stomach.' The Cape Girardeau Police Department requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol assist in the investigation. Authorities later met with Wehmeyer for questioning. Police said she admitted the child was in her care in the time leading up to their death. St. Louis Mayoral primary results Investigators said Wehmeyer told them her child last ate between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Feb. 26. She said she changed the child's diaper between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Feb. 27, and put the child back to bed at approximately 6:30 p.m. Wehmeyer told the highway patrol the child woke up around 2 a.m. on Feb. 28. She said she held the child for 30 to 40 minutes and then laid the child back down. By 1 p.m. the day, Wehmeyer said she went to check on the child and saw their lips were blue and the child wasn't breathing. Court documents state Wehmeyer admitted that she should have taken the child to the doctor on Feb. 27, but she had a migraine. She said she took three Excedrin and laid down for a nap while home alone with the child. The Gasconade County Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged Wehmeyer with one count of abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death. Wehmeyer remains in custody at Scott County Jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
