For those who consider themselves to be a part of the “Migraine girlies” community, you may be familiar with the recent McMigraine trend on TikTok’s #migraine page. This wellness hack is one that promotes ordering McDonald’s fries and a Coke as a newfound, DIY migraine treatment. In fact, one user (whose TikTok bio says that she is a future heart surgery nurse) claims that this order is “literally the only thing that can fix a migraine.” Let’s not jump the gun. First, What Is a Migraine? A migraine is more than just a bad headache, and the symptoms it elicits vary from person to person. For many, the pain is throbbing, one-sided, and unrelenting, often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, dizziness, exhaustion, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. These attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, making it extremely difficult to carry out everyday tasks. The exact cause of this complex neurological condition isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe it involves abnormal brain activity that temporarily affects nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain (though this is a crude oversimplification). Given the often-debilitating impacts of migraines, it makes sense to latch onto the first remedy you find so you can get back to your daily activities. However, the McMigraine won’t cut it. In response to the high volume of videos from users trying this hack, health practitioners have taken to the app. One argument that remains consistent in these videos is that this combination may provide temporary relief from the migraine, but it certainly is not reliable in the long term. The Fallacy of “One-Size-Fits-All" Migraines are a difficult condition for individuals and physicians to tackle because triggers can be highly individualized. For example, one person may suffer from migraines induced by strong smells or fumes, while another person may have dietary triggers, and another’s trigger may be both of these things or something entirely different. And to make matters even more complicated, not everyone responds to the same treatments. Some find relief with prescription medications like triptans or NSAIDs to stop an attack, while others benefit from preventive options like beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, or even Botox injections. Finding the right combination of treatment and lifestyle adjustments often involves a long process of trial and error, and possibly a small notebook filled with cryptic entries like “cheese + rain = 48-hour migraine.” This is all to say that because migraines are so individualized, with each person having a somewhat unique experience with the condition, it is nearly impossible for there to be a single cure. As someone who’s had severe, frequent migraines for years (Hosna here!), I haven’t tried the McMigraine hack—not because it’s not tempting, but the nausea alone makes food unthinkable. I wouldn’t mind indulging if that weren’t the case. The McMigraine may help individuals whose migraines are influenced by caffeine and carbohydrate intake. Caffeine can play a complex role in migraine pain management. For some, it can provide relief during an attack, and for others, it is a trigger. This is why it is important for individuals to recognize how caffeine is a double-edged sword—capable of both helping and harming, depending on the person and the context. Additionally, Coke with its high-sugar content and fries in all their high-carbohydrate glory can help temporarily correct an electrolyte or blood sugar imbalance. For individuals who have migraine attacks triggered by skipped meals, this fast-food “hack” may just do the trick. This could be why some social media claims aren’t necessarily baseless; some people may truly find relief from this combination. But an anecdote should not be mistaken for a medically sound solution for all. There may be a better, healthier solution at hand than just eating at McDonald’s every time you have a migraine. McDonald’s meals have a high saturated fat content, which can cause other health issues, such as inflammation and high blood pressure. These are risk factors for migraines, meaning that the McMigraine trend can do more harm than good in the long run. Healthier Options (That Won’t Clog Your Arteries) If the McMigraine trend reveals anything, it's that people are desperate for relief—and understandably so. But there are healthier and more reliable ways to manage migraines that don’t involve ultra-processed food. For starters, eating regular meals can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which may prevent attacks in those sensitive to hunger as a trigger. Staying well-hydrated is equally important, as even mild dehydration can provoke migraines in some people. Caffeine, while sometimes useful, should be used in moderation because relying on large doses can increase the risk of rebound headaches or caffeine withdrawal migraines. Of course, no lifestyle “hack” can replace proper medical management. Migraine treatment plans should be developed with a healthcare provider—often a neurologist, but sometimes a general practitioner—and tailored to an individual’s needs. Another valuable tool is keeping a migraine diary. Tracking when migraines occur, their intensity, duration, suspected triggers, and what treatments did or didn't work can help both patients and physicians identify patterns and make more informed decisions. Managing migraines isn’t chasing miracle remedies. It’s about building a strategy, one that is sustainable, evidence-based, and reflects your unique needs. And no matter how tempting it might be in the moment, a McDonald’s combo isn’t a substitute for that. At the heart of the McMigraine trend, and countless other viral “wellness hacks,” is the idea that complex health issues can be solved with quick fixes. But health isn't something that can be “hacked.” These trends oversimplify conditions that require nuanced care. @‌EvaKellner & @‌HosnaAkhgary Eva Kellner is a recent graduate from the Faculty of Arts and Science, with a major in Environment. Her research interests include urban green spaces, urban agriculture, and outdoor community spaces - all as promoters of climate resilience among city-dwellers. Hosna Akhgary is a BSc candidate at McGill University, majoring in Pharmacology. Part of the OSS mandate is to foster science communication and critical thinking in our students and the public. We hope you enjoy these pieces from our Student Contributors and welcome any feedback you may have!