# Which Migraine Remedies Actually Work

> Neuroscientist explains why common migraine hacks fail and what truly helps.
- Title: Which Migraine Remedies Actually Work · Scroll | Shortify
- Summary: Neuroscientist explains why common migraine hacks fail and what truly helps. Migraine remedies like caffeine and cold spoons offer limited relief; triptans…
- Keywords: migraine, prodrome, aura, triptans, caffeine, headache diary, migraine triggers, Scroll
- Source: Scroll — https://scroll.in/article/1096733/which-migraine-remedies-actually-work
- Author: Amanda Ellison, The Conversation
- Published: 2026-11-06T16:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: migraine, prodrome, aura, triptans, caffeine, headache diary, migraine triggers, news, politics
## 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
## Key takeaway

Migraine remedies like caffeine and cold spoons offer limited relief; triptans and tracking patterns are more effective.