From Scroll · Amanda Ellison, The Conversation · · 50s
Which Migraine Remedies Actually Work
Neuroscientist explains why common migraine hacks fail and what truly helps.
In brief
Neuroscientist explains why common migraine hacks fail and what truly helps. Migraine remedies like caffeine and cold spoons offer limited relief; triptans and tracking patterns are more effective. Originally reported by Scroll.
Prodrome
Migraine symptoms can start hours before pain begins, including tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
“For me, repeated yawning is a warning sign”
Aura
Around a third of people experience visual disturbances like flashing lights during migraines.
“Part of my visual field disappeared, and I expected a headache to follow”
Caffeine
Caffeine modestly improves pain relief when added to painkillers but can trigger headaches if stopped abruptly.
“A small randomised trial found abrupt withdrawal triggered migraine attacks in several participants”
Cooling Treatments
Cooling interventions offer short-term pain relief but methods vary and evidence certainty differs.
“A systematic review found evidence of short-term pain relief from cooling interventions”
Triptans
Triptans like sumatriptan target serotonin receptors and work best when taken early in migraine attacks.
“Triptans act on receptors for serotonin, a chemical messenger involved in nerve signalling”
Headache Diary
Tracking symptoms and potential triggers helps identify patterns before making dietary changes.
“Record symptoms and medication use alongside possible influences like sleep and diet”
The essence
Migraine remedies like caffeine and cold spoons offer limited relief; triptans and tracking patterns are more effective.
