A viral fast-food combo dubbed the “McDonald’s migraine meal” is making waves online for its supposed ability to stop a migraine in its tracks. Consisting of a large Coke and a large order of fries, this meal has been embraced by migraine sufferers across Reddit threads and TikTok videos. Some even throw in a cheeseburger or milkshake for good measure. But does this comfort food combo actually offer relief—or is it just another internet myth?According to neurologists interviewed by TODAY.com, there may be a bit of science behind the hack. Still, they caution against using it as a go-to remedy.How Did the Migraine Meal Go Viral?Like many internet health hacks, the migraine meal gained popularity thanks to personal stories shared online. Migraine sufferers started reporting that a McDonald’s meal, specifically fries and a Coke, brought them fast relief. Videos demonstrating the hack started gaining traction on TikTok, while Reddit users debated its merits in lengthy threads.Dr. Matthew Robbins, a neurologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, told TODAY.com that he’s seen this trend before. “Certainly I’ve heard of this and many other hacks,” he said, adding that some of his patients even swear by a warm can of Coke during a migraine attack.Why Might It Work?There are a few plausible reasons why the migraine meal could offer temporary relief. One key ingredient: caffeine. “Caffeine has analgesic, or pain-relief, properties and makes other analgesics more potent,” Robbins explained to TODAY.com. In fact, many migraine medications like Excedrin include caffeine to enhance their effectiveness.The salt and carbohydrates in the fries may also play a role. Dr. Jessica Lowe, a neurologist, explained in an Instagram video cited by TODAY.com that the fries help replenish electrolytes and raise blood sugar levels, both of which can dip during a migraine.Some migraine sufferers also experience prodrome symptoms—non-headache signs that appear before the main attack, such as food cravings. “Most people with migraine experience a prodrome,” Robbins told TODAY.com. “For some, that includes a strong craving for salty or sweet food.” That makes the Coke and fries combo a form of comfort food that just happens to align with the migraine’s early symptoms.Not a One-Size-Fits-All FixDespite its popularity, experts caution that the migraine meal isn't for everyone. “It’s never just a one-size-fits-all approach,” Robbins emphasized. Some people might actually find the idea of greasy food nauseating during a migraine. For others, the sugar, salt, or caffeine could act as triggers rather than remedies.Even if it helps occasionally, using this hack frequently is not advisable. “We know migraine is associated with worse cardiovascular health,” Robbins told TODAY.com. “And, obviously, having a fatty meal and a big caffeinated soda is not really good for you in general.”What Should You Do Instead?If the migraine meal works for you once in a while, that’s fine. But if you're depending on fast food regularly to manage your migraines, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.Neurologists recommend developing a more structured treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, preventive medication, or non-drug therapies.“I get it, [I’m] not knocking the hack,” Lowe told TODAY.com. “Just don’t make a habit of it.”