One doctor’s unexpected migraine remedy has set off a frenzy online — and it doesn’t involve prescription drugs or complicated medical hacks. Instead, it comes from a fast-food drive-thru. A viral clip shared this week shows a medical professional explaining why a large Coke and fries from McDonald’s may actually help ease the crushing pain of a migraine for some people.
Dr. Karan Rajan, who regularly posts health content to millions of followers, stunned viewers when he explained the science behind this seemingly bizarre trick. “If you’ve ever had a migraine sneak up on you and nothing seems to work fast enough, you might want to grab some fries and a Coke,” he said in the now viral video posted to TikTok.
“If you’ve ever had a migraine sneak up on you and nothing seems to work fast enough, you might want to grab some fries and a Coke.” — Dr. Karan Rajan @tiktok_us
According to Dr. Rajan, the combination of salty fries and sugary, caffeinated soda can trigger a rapid shift in hydration and blood vessel constriction — two factors that can play a role in migraine pain. “Migraines can be aggravated by dehydration, low blood sugar, and dilated blood vessels in the brain,” he explained. “A salty snack encourages you to retain fluid, and the sugar and caffeine give your system a quick jolt.”
The explanation immediately caught fire, with many migraine sufferers rushing to share their own stories. One user wrote beneath the post, “I swear this works. I thought I was crazy for craving Coke during migraines.” Another said, “The fries are my secret weapon. I’ve been doing this for years.”
Medical experts have long noted that caffeine can sometimes help relieve migraine symptoms, which is why it’s found in some over-the-counter pain relievers. A neurologist interviewed by NBC News explained that caffeine can constrict dilated blood vessels, potentially reducing migraine pain. “For some people, a small amount of caffeine early in a migraine can shorten its duration,” the specialist said.
The salty element isn’t just about taste. Sodium can help your body retain water, which can be especially helpful if your migraine is triggered or worsened by dehydration. That’s why Dr. Rajan says the fries are just as crucial as the soda. “A Coke alone might not do it. The salt-sugar combo is what makes this work for some people,” he said in his Instagram Q&A.
“A Coke alone might not do it. The salt-sugar combo is what makes this work for some people.” — Dr. Karan Rajan @instagram
Still, doctors are quick to warn that this isn’t a universal cure — and certainly not a substitute for proper medical care. Migraine is a neurological condition that affects over a billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. While caffeine and sodium might help in some cases, they can also make symptoms worse for others. “Some migraine sufferers are extremely sensitive to caffeine,” a specialist at Mayo Clinic noted. “It can be a trigger as much as a treatment.”
Despite that caution, the internet has embraced the idea with enthusiasm. One viral post on X read, “If McDonald’s Coke and fries end up being my miracle cure, I’ll never judge cravings again.” The thread quickly racked up tens of thousands of likes and retweets as users swapped stories of unexpected migraine hacks.
“If McDonald’s Coke and fries end up being my miracle cure, I’ll never judge cravings again.” @MigraineTalk
Part of the theory’s appeal lies in the fact that many migraine medications can take time to work, leaving sufferers desperate for faster relief. A cold soda can provide caffeine almost instantly, while the salt and carbs may stabilize blood sugar and hydration levels within minutes. It’s not hard to see why people are intrigued.
But experts are emphasizing one crucial point: what works for one person may not work for another. A headache specialist interviewed by Healthline warned that for people prone to rebound headaches or caffeine withdrawal, this hack could backfire. “If you overdo it or rely on it too often, it can make things worse in the long run,” the specialist said.
Many commenters also pointed out that the carbonation of a fountain Coke from McDonald’s may be part of the magic. It’s long been rumored among fans that the chain’s soda tastes stronger and crisper than most — something that’s actually true. McDonald’s uses stainless steel tanks and maintains tight control over syrup-to-water ratios, which can result in a more potent caffeine and sugar hit compared to a bottled drink, as detailed in a report by Business Insider.
For migraine sufferers who have found little relief in standard painkillers, it’s no wonder the idea is catching on. The mix of caffeine, sugar, salt, and hydration might offer quick — if temporary — comfort. “It’s not a cure, but for some, it’s enough to take the edge off,” Dr. Rajan reiterated in a follow-up post on TikTok.
“It’s not a cure, but for some, it’s enough to take the edge off.” — Dr. Karan Rajan @tiktok_us
Health professionals are urging people not to rely on this method as a replacement for medical treatment, especially if they experience frequent or severe migraines. But many are intrigued by how a $5 fast-food order might offer temporary relief from a debilitating condition.
“If it works for someone, that doesn’t make it junk science — it just means the body is complicated,” a neurologist told CNN. “But always talk to your doctor. Coke and fries are not a prescription.”
