4 min learnNew DelhiApr 30, 2026 12:00 AM IST
A neurologist and ache drugs specialist just lately evaluated a spread of extensively shared migraine ‘hacks,’ rating them on a scale of 1 to 10 primarily based on their actual effectiveness. In an Instagram video, Dr Elie Sader stated, “A few of these will assist. Some are straight-up ineffective. Cease losing time on migraine ‘hacks’ that don’t work. Let’s rank them actually.”
A few of the lowest-rated strategies scoring 0/10 embody putting salt beneath the tongue, which he firmly dismisses: “I want it have been that straightforward, however salt has no function to play in migraine. A pinch of salt, whether or not desk salt or mineral salt, is just not going to chop it.” Different generally mentioned concepts, reminiscent of soaking toes in water, which he rated 4/10, additionally fall brief regardless of theoretical explanations. “Theoretically, this works by dilating blood vessels within the decrease physique to shunt blood away from the mind. In actuality, there isn’t a proof for it.” Equally, practices like daith piercing are sometimes overhyped. “Supposedly, it really works by tickling the vagus nerve, however there are not any large-scale research on it. It’s undoubtedly overhyped and carries a excessive fee of issues, reminiscent of an infection,” says Dr Sader, who rated the hack 3/10.
Alternatively, some approaches do present average to sturdy advantages. Chilly remedy, as an example, is rated extremely at 8/10. “This works for lots of sufferers, although the profit is short-lived – normally half an hour to an hour. It really works by vasoconstricting the blood vessels and activating temperature-sensitive ion channels.”
Different strategies, reminiscent of utilizing an eyebrow clip, which he rated 5/10, could present restricted reduction in particular instances. “This works by way of gate principle on the stage of the supraorbital nerve – a department of the trigeminal nerve. It’d work for some folks with frontal complications, however you shouldn’t get your hopes up.” Even dietary mixtures of fries and fizzy drinks have a rationale at 7/10: “The caffeine and carbohydrates assist as a result of fasting is a widely known set off for migraine.”
In the meantime, peppermint oil sits someplace within the center at 6/10, backed by some proof: “There are precise scientific trials on this that confirmed a profit over a placebo.”
Differentiating between scientifically backed therapies and people which are unlikely to work
Dr Jagdish Chattnalli, senior minimal invasive mind and backbone surgeon, Bengaluru West Clinics, HCG Hospitals Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “A neurologist would emphasise that credibility lies in consistency of scientific proof quite than recognition. Remedies which are supported by randomised managed trials, guideline suggestions, and approval by regulatory our bodies are inclined to have reproducible outcomes throughout various affected person teams.”
In distinction, Dr Chattnalli says that treatments that depend on anecdotal success, lack standardised dosing, or promise common effectiveness are much less dependable. Sufferers also needs to search for whether or not a remedy targets identified migraine mechanisms reminiscent of neurovascular irritation or cortical excitability, quite than providing obscure symptomatic reduction.
Why sure strategies like chilly remedy or caffeine consumption provide non permanent reduction quite than long-term options
Dr Chattnalli confirms, “Chilly remedy and caffeine act on surface-level pathways concerned in migraine ache. Chilly software can scale back native nerve sensitivity and constrict blood vessels, whereas caffeine influences vascular tone and enhances the impact of sure ache drugs.”
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Nevertheless, he notes that migraines are pushed by advanced neurological processes involving the trigeminovascular system, neurotransmitter fluctuations, and central sensitisation. “These strategies don’t handle the underlying neurochemical cascade, which is why their results are short-lived and don’t forestall recurrence.”
Greatest approach for people to establish which methods are genuinely efficient for them
“A structured and data-driven method is much more practical than untracked experimentation,” states Dr Chattnalli, including that sustaining an in depth migraine diary that data triggers, timing, meals consumption, sleep patterns, and response to interventions helps establish constant patterns over time.
“Neurologists usually use this info to personalise administration plans, combining preventive therapies with focused acute therapies. Digital monitoring instruments and periodic scientific evaluations can additional refine this course of, decreasing pointless trial and error whereas enhancing long-term management,” concludes the skilled.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
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