A long-rumoured migraine relief hack involving a large McDonald’s fries and a large Coca-Cola — known online as the “McMigraine combo” — has been explained, and to an extent, validated, by an American neurologist.
Dr. Jessica Lowe, a board-certified neurologist and epilepsy specialist, shared the explanation in a viral video on her social media accounts, Doctor Brain Barbie on Instagram and TikTok. She said the combination is “relatively well known in the migraine community” and has a scientific basis.
According to Dr. Lowe, the large Coke provides roughly 80mg of caffeine, which can help stop a migraine in its tracks. The salty fries contribute electrolytes, while the carbohydrates help stabilize glucose levels — a known trigger for migraines in some sufferers.
“First of all, a large Coke from McDonald’s has about 80 milligrams of caffeine — that alone is probably enough to stop your migraine. Then the salty fries give you electrolytes, and the carbohydrates help if your migraine is caused by hunger or low blood sugar,” she explained.
While acknowledging the chemical rationale, Dr. Lowe cautioned that there are healthier ways to achieve the same effect. Alternatives include taking caffeine-rich migraine medication with an electrolyte drink like Gatorade, along with healthier carbohydrate sources instead of deep-fried potatoes.
Dr. Lowe also highlighted the human aspect of the hack: when feeling unwell, comfort food can be appealing. “We are all human — sometimes you just want some comfort food. Not knocking the hack, just don’t make a habit of it,” she said, noting the health risks of frequent fast-food consumption.
McDonald’s Australia lists nutritional information for a large Coke as containing over 50mg of caffeine, 380 calories, 100g sugar, 20mg potassium, and 95mg sodium, while large fries contain 389 calories, 373mg sodium, 43g carbohydrates, and 20.5g fat.
Dr. Lowe’s video has gone viral, receiving thousands of comments from migraine sufferers who felt validated by her explanation. Many shared alternative snack combinations that worked for them, such as regular Coke with salty crisps.
She clarified: “This is a migraine hack described by thousands of migraine patients, which I — as a neurologist — was asked to explain. Not recommending McDonald’s, but explaining the pathophysiology and suggesting alternatives.”
The video sparked a mix of reactions, from gratitude to humor, with one viewer joking, “Oh no, I think I feel a migraine coming on.”
This explanation provides insight into why a seemingly unusual fast-food order may temporarily relieve migraine symptoms while encouraging healthier alternatives for frequent use.
