Alexis Kilstrom, 36, always thought the terrible headaches she got in college were due to a hangover. But as she got older, she discovered that she was actually dealing with migraine attacks. Kilstrom frequently experiences episodes of excruciating pain on the right side of her head that spreads to her face, jaw and neck, as well as nausea and light sensitivity. Her go-to for lighting? An Execedrin with a hint of Coca-Cola.
And it turns out that the home remedy is quite common in some people with migraines, a neurological condition related to overactive nerves that can cause a variety of problems, including vomiting, severe headaches (of course), and even aura, which can lead to vision loss. . motor and speech problems. Dozens of TikToks show people taking sips of the fizzy drink and sharing how much it helps ease their symptoms. For Kilstrom, sometimes one slurp is all she needs to feel better, but other days she gulps down an entire bottle out of desperation. And if she’s on the road and a headache strikes: “I’ll definitely stop by for a Coke fountain,” she says.
But does it actually work? We spoke with Shae Datta, MD, a neurologist at NYU Langone Health, to better understand why Coke can help people with the debilitating condition. Turns out there’s real science behind this buzzy solution. Here’s what you need to know.
The caffeine in cola targets your pain directly.
Caffeine is a stimulant that constricts the blood vessels in your brain, says Dr. Datta, which relieves headaches associated with swelling. It is also thought to block the effects of a chemical called adenosine that increases during migraine attacks, according to the American Migraine Foundation. This is why caffeine is one of the main ingredients in several headache medications, including Excedrin, which contains about 130 mg of it in a standard adult dose. Even though a 12 oz can of Coke contains only 34 to 46 mg of caffeine (about a quarter of the amount in a cup of coffee), the effects can still work in your favor, says Dr. Datta.
However, caffeine can be a double-edged sword. Some people find that caffeine – or withdrawal from it – actually triggers their migraine attacks. How it affects you depends on how often you drink cola, coffee or other caffeinated drinks; the more often you drink them, the greater your tolerance to the stimulant will be. So even if you miss your morning coffee one day, you may find yourself in withdrawal territory and eventually give up more headache as a result. If you can relate, maybe try to avoid casually drinking Coke every day and save it for those times when a migraine sneaks up on you.
Hydrating is a good idea during a migraine attack.
Water will almost always be the best hydration option, but the truth is that any drink can technically meet your H20 needs, at least in the short term. So yes, Coke – since it’s literally 90% water – could help because it can hydrate you, says Dr. Datta. Experts speculate that your brain and other tissues contract as they lose water, which aggravates the pain receptors in the lining around your brain.