Doctor In My Home

Tag: migraine

  • 12 Common Migraine Triggers — Causes & How to Avoid Them

    Migraine is a neurological condition — not simply a bad headache. Attacks often involve throbbing pain on one side, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and can last hours to days. Identifying your personal triggers is one of the most effective ways to reduce how often migraines occur. Triggers vary between people, but certain patterns appear again and again in clinical research and patient experience.

    Common Causes and Triggers

    • Stress and relaxation after stress — both acute stress and the “let-down” period after a stressful week can trigger attacks
    • Sleep disruption — too little sleep, oversleeping, or irregular sleep schedules
    • Skipped meals and dehydration — low blood sugar and fluid loss are frequent triggers
    • Hormonal changes — menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, and perimenopause in women
    • Certain foods and drinks — aged cheese, processed meats, chocolate, alcohol (especially red wine), and excessive caffeine
    • Food additives — monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame in some people
    • Strong sensory stimuli — bright or flickering lights, loud noise, strong perfumes
    • Weather changes — barometric pressure shifts, extreme heat, or humidity
    • Physical exertion — intense exercise without adequate warm-up or hydration
    • Medications — hormone therapy, some vasodilators, and overuse of pain relievers (rebound headache)
    • Neck and jaw tension — teeth grinding, poor posture, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
    • Screen overuse — prolonged digital device use causing eye strain and postural tension
    Important: A trigger does not always cause a migraine every time. Most people have several triggers that combine — for example, poor sleep plus skipped breakfast plus a stressful day.

    Home Care Steps to Reduce Triggers

    Practical prevention at home
    1
    Keep a migraine diary
    Record sleep hours, meals, stress level, weather, and menstrual cycle alongside each attack. After 4–8 weeks, patterns usually become clear. Free apps or a simple notebook both work.
    2
    Maintain regular sleep and meals
    Go to bed and wake at consistent times — even on weekends. Eat balanced meals at regular intervals and drink water throughout the day.
    3
    Manage caffeine carefully
    Keep daily intake steady rather than alternating between heavy use and withdrawal. Sudden caffeine cuts often trigger headaches.
    4
    Test dietary triggers systematically
    Remove suspected foods for 2–4 weeks, then reintroduce one at a time. Avoid eliminating entire food groups without medical guidance.
    5
    Reduce sensory overload during high-risk periods
    Wear sunglasses outdoors, use blue-light filters on screens, and take breaks in quiet, dimly lit spaces when you feel an attack building.
    6
    Address neck and jaw tension
    Gentle neck stretches, ergonomic desk setup, and a night guard for teeth grinding can reduce musculoskeletal triggers.

    When to See a Doctor

    • Migraines occur more than 4 days per month or significantly disrupt work and daily life
    • Over-the-counter pain relief is needed more than 10 days per month
    • Headache pattern changes suddenly — new type, new severity, or new symptoms
    • Headache with fever, stiff neck, weakness, vision loss, or confusion
    • First migraine after age 50, or first migraine during pregnancy
    • Aura symptoms last longer than 60 minutes or occur without headache

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can weather really trigger migraines?

    Yes. Many people report attacks linked to falling barometric pressure, storms, or extreme heat. You cannot control weather, but knowing this trigger helps you prepare — stay hydrated, maintain sleep, and have your acute treatment plan ready on high-risk days.

    Is chocolate a migraine trigger or a craving before an attack?

    Both scenarios occur. Some people are genuinely sensitive to chocolate. In others, chocolate craving is an early symptom of a migraine already starting — not the cause. A diary helps distinguish true food triggers from pre-attack cravings.

    How long should I try trigger avoidance before seeing a specialist?

    Give lifestyle changes and a detailed diary at least 8–12 weeks. If attacks remain frequent or severe despite consistent prevention, a neurologist or headache specialist can discuss preventive medications and targeted therapies.

    Does stress management actually reduce migraines?

    Evidence supports relaxation techniques — mindfulness, paced breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and regular moderate exercise — as helpful additions to medical treatment. They reduce attack frequency in many patients when practised consistently.

    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: May 2026. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.
  • Himalayan Crystal Salt for Migraine — Does It Really Work? (2026)

    Himalayan Crystal Salt for Migraine — Does It Really Work? (2026)

    Social media posts often claim that a pinch of Himalayan crystal salt under the tongue can stop a migraine within minutes. Pink Himalayan salt — mined from ancient sea beds in the Punjab region — contains sodium, potassium, magnesium, and trace minerals. The idea is that rapid electrolyte absorption corrects dehydration or low sodium linked to migraine. But does the science support this, or is it another wellness trend? Here is a balanced, evidence-oriented review.

    What Is Himalayan Crystal Salt?

    Himalayan salt is rock salt harvested primarily from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. Its pink colour comes from iron oxide and other trace minerals. Nutritionally, it is still mostly sodium chloride — roughly 98% — with small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is not medically different from ordinary table salt in terms of sodium content per gram.

    Proponents suggest that trace minerals make it superior for hydration and nerve function. However, the mineral quantities are too small to meaningfully affect blood electrolyte levels when taken as a pinch. What may help some migraine sufferers is simply the sodium and water — not the “crystal” branding.

    What the Evidence Actually Shows

    • Dehydration and migraine — Clinical studies confirm that dehydration can trigger or worsen migraine in susceptible people. Replacing fluids and sodium may help if dehydration is a contributing factor.
    • Electrolyte drinks — Oral rehydration solutions and sports drinks with balanced sodium and glucose have more evidence for correcting fluid loss than salt alone under the tongue.
    • No dedicated trials — There are no peer-reviewed clinical trials specifically testing Himalayan salt for acute migraine relief. Claims of “instant” stopping are anecdotal, not proven.
    • Sodium and blood pressure — Excess sodium raises blood pressure in many people. Migraine patients with hypertension or kidney disease should be cautious with extra salt.
    Bottom line: Himalayan salt is not a proven migraine treatment. If dehydration or skipped meals triggered your attack, water plus a normal meal may work as well — or better — than placing salt under your tongue.

    How People Use It (and Safer Alternatives)

    If you want to try electrolyte support during a migraine
    1
    Drink water first
    Sip 500–750 ml of plain water over 30–60 minutes. Many migraine attacks improve partially once hydration is restored.
    2
    Use a balanced oral rehydration drink
    WHO-formula ORS sachets (available at Indian pharmacies) provide the correct sodium-to-glucose ratio. These are safer than random salt doses.
    3
    Eat a small salty snack with your meal
    Khichdi with a pinch of salt, dal-rice, or salted crackers paired with fluids is a gentler approach than concentrated salt under the tongue.
    4
    Take your prescribed acute medication
    Paracetamol, ibuprofen (if not contraindicated), or triptans prescribed by your doctor remain the evidence-based options for stopping an attack.
    Do not rely on salt alone if you have severe one-sided throbbing pain, vomiting, vision changes, weakness, or a sudden “worst headache of your life.” These require urgent medical evaluation — not a home remedy.

    Risks and Who Should Avoid Extra Salt

    • High blood pressure, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease
    • Pregnancy — always consult your doctor before adding supplemental sodium
    • Children — salt under the tongue is not recommended; use ORS only under medical guidance
    • Placing undissolved salt directly under the tongue can irritate mucosa and cause nausea

    When to See a Doctor

    • Migraines occur more than 4 days per month or last more than 72 hours
    • Home remedies fail repeatedly and you need pain relief more than 10 days per month
    • New neurological symptoms: numbness, slurred speech, vision loss, or confusion
    • Headache after head injury, fever, or stiff neck
    • First severe migraine during pregnancy or after age 50

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can Himalayan salt stop a migraine instantly?

    There is no scientific proof it works instantly. Some people feel slightly better after fluids and sodium if they were dehydrated, but this is not specific to Himalayan salt. Marketing claims of immediate relief exceed what evidence supports.

    Is Himalayan salt better than regular table salt for migraines?

    For migraine purposes, no meaningful difference exists. Both provide sodium. Trace minerals in Himalayan salt are present in amounts too small to affect migraine physiology. Choose whichever you already use in cooking — avoid excessive intake of either.

    How much Himalayan salt is safe to try?

    If you are otherwise healthy, a pinch (roughly 1/4 teaspoon) dissolved in a glass of water is a reasonable upper limit for a one-time attempt — not repeated doses. Never exceed this without medical advice, especially if you have blood pressure or kidney concerns.

    What should I do instead if salt does not help?

    Rest in a dark, quiet room, stay hydrated, take doctor-approved acute medication, and track triggers in a diary. If attacks are frequent, ask your doctor about preventive treatment — lifestyle changes and prescription options have stronger evidence than salt remedies.

    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: May 2026. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.

  • Migraine vs Headache — Key Differences in Symptoms & Treatment

    Most people use “headache” and “migraine” interchangeably, but they are not the same. A headache is a symptom — pain in the head — that can have many causes. Migraine is a specific neurological disorder with distinct features, phases, and treatment approaches. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right home care and know when to seek medical help.

    Quick Comparison: Migraine vs Common Headache

    Feature Typical Tension Headache Migraine
    Pain quality Dull, pressing, band-like pressure Throbbing or pulsating, often one-sided
    Intensity Mild to moderate Moderate to severe — may stop daily activities
    Duration 30 minutes to several hours 4–72 hours if untreated
    Associated symptoms Neck or shoulder tension; rarely nausea Nausea, vomiting, light/sound sensitivity
    Physical activity Usually not worsened by movement Often worsens with routine activity
    Warning signs (aura) None Visual disturbances, tingling in ~25% of cases
    Triggers Stress, poor posture, eye strain Hormones, food, sleep changes, weather, stress

    Types of Non-Migraine Headaches

    • Tension-type headache — the most common form; feels like a tight band around the head
    • Sinus headache — facial pressure with nasal congestion during a cold or allergy flare
    • Dehydration or hunger headache — improves quickly with fluids and food
    • Rebound headache — from overusing pain relievers more than 10–15 days per month
    • Secondary headaches — caused by an underlying condition such as infection, high blood pressure, or eye problems

    What Makes Migraine Different

    Migraine is a recurring brain disorder involving abnormal nerve signalling and blood vessel changes. Attacks often progress through phases: prodrome (mood or food cravings hours before), aura (in some people), headache phase, and postdrome (fatigue and “brain fog” after pain subsides).

    Key migraine features include photophobia (light sensitivity), phonophobia (sound sensitivity), and nausea severe enough to prevent eating. Many Indian patients report attacks worsening during summer heat, fasting during festivals, or irregular meal times — all consistent with known triggers.

    Remember: You can have both tension headaches and migraines. Keeping a symptom diary for 4–8 weeks helps your doctor distinguish patterns and recommend appropriate treatment.

    Treatment Differences at Home

    Matching care to headache type
    1
    Tension headache
    Neck stretches, warm compress, hydration, paracetamol, and stress reduction usually suffice. Address posture and screen breaks if headaches occur after desk work.
    2
    Migraine — early treatment
    Take prescribed acute medication at the first sign of attack. Rest in a dark, quiet room. Avoid triggers you have identified. Do not wait until pain peaks — early treatment works better.
    3
    Migraine — prevention
    Regular sleep, consistent meals, trigger avoidance, and doctor-prescribed preventive drugs if attacks are frequent. Tension-headache remedies alone are often insufficient.

    When to See a Doctor

    • Headache is sudden, severe, and unlike anything you have felt before (“thunderclap”)
    • Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash, or confusion
    • Neurological symptoms: weakness, slurred speech, vision loss, or balance problems
    • Headache after head injury
    • Pattern change — new type, increasing frequency, or not responding to usual treatment
    • Headache waking you from sleep or worse in the morning consistently
    Red flag: A severe headache with fever and neck stiffness may indicate meningitis — seek emergency care immediately.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can a headache turn into a migraine?

    A single headache episode does not “become” migraine. However, if your headaches match migraine criteria — throbbing one-sided pain with nausea and light sensitivity — you may have been experiencing migraines rather than ordinary tension headaches. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis using standard criteria (ICHD-3).

    Is migraine just a severe headache?

    No. Severity alone does not define migraine. The combination of associated symptoms (nausea, sensitivity, activity worsening), duration, and recurrence pattern distinguishes migraine from other headache types. Some migraine attacks involve moderate pain but still qualify as migraine.

    Do I need a brain scan for migraine?

    Not always. If your history is typical and neurological examination is normal, scans are often unnecessary. Doctors order imaging when red flags appear — sudden onset, abnormal exam, or atypical features — to rule out secondary causes.

    Which painkiller works for both?

    Paracetamol helps mild tension headaches and some mild migraines. Migraine-specific treatment may require triptans or anti-nausea medication prescribed by a doctor. Avoid using pain relievers more than 10 days per month — overuse causes rebound headaches regardless of type.

    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: March 2026. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.

  • Acupressure Points for Headache Relief — Safe Home Guide

    Headaches affect millions of Indians every day — from screen-heavy office work in Bengaluru and Mumbai to dehydration during summer heat. Acupressure is a complementary technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that applies firm, steady pressure to specific points on the body. It may help ease mild tension headaches and some migraine symptoms when used alongside rest, hydration, and medical treatment when needed. Acupressure does not cure underlying causes such as uncontrolled hypertension, sinus infection, or neurological disease, and should never delay urgent medical care.

    How Acupressure May Help Headaches

    Acupressure stimulates nerve endings and may promote relaxation of neck and scalp muscles. Small clinical studies suggest it can reduce headache frequency and intensity for some people, particularly tension-type headaches. Effects vary by individual. Pregnant women, people with bleeding disorders, those on blood thinners, and anyone with recent head injury should consult a doctor before trying acupressure on the head and neck.

    • Tension headaches — often linked to neck stiffness, poor posture, stress, and long hours at a desk or on a phone
    • Migraines — may respond to relaxation techniques, though severe migraines usually need prescribed medication
    • Sinus-related pressure — facial points may ease discomfort, but bacterial sinusitis needs medical treatment
    • Dehydration and skipped meals — common triggers in hot Indian climates; acupressure alone will not fix these
    Important: Sudden severe headache, headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, vision loss, or headache after head trauma is a medical emergency. Do not use acupressure — seek emergency care immediately.

    Key Acupressure Points for Headache Relief

    Safe acupressure technique at home
    1
    LI4 (Hegu) — between thumb and index finger
    Locate the webbing between thumb and index finger on the back of the hand. Apply firm circular pressure with the opposite thumb for 30–60 seconds, then switch hands. Avoid during pregnancy. May help general headache and stress-related pain.
    2
    GB20 (Feng Chi) — base of the skull
    Place both thumbs in the hollows at the base of the skull, just outside the thick neck muscles. Press upward and inward gently for 1–2 minutes while breathing slowly. Useful for tension headaches and neck-related pain common after long commutes or laptop work.
    3
    LI10 (Shousanli) — outer forearm
    Three finger-widths below the elbow crease on the outer forearm. Press firmly for 30–60 seconds per arm. Traditionally used for facial pain and frontal headache.
    4
    Yintang (Third Eye) — between eyebrows
    Press the centre point between the eyebrows with one finger for 30–60 seconds. Often combined with quiet rest in a dark room for migraine aura or sinus pressure.
    5
    ST36 (Zusanli) — below the knee
    Four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width outward from the shin bone. Press for 1 minute per leg. Used in traditional practice to support overall energy and stress reduction, which may indirectly ease headache triggers.
    6
    Combine with basics
    Drink water, eat if you skipped a meal, rest eyes away from screens, and apply a cool cloth to the forehead. Use pressure that feels firm but not painful — stop if pain worsens.

    What to Avoid

    • Pressing too hard on the neck, temples, or eyes — bruising or dizziness can result
    • Using acupressure instead of medication when a doctor has prescribed treatment for migraines or high blood pressure
    • Applying LI4 during pregnancy without medical guidance
    • Ignoring headaches that are new, severe, or different from your usual pattern
    • Relying on acupressure when headache follows head injury, fever, or rash
    Seek medical care urgently if: sudden worst-ever headache, headache with high fever and neck stiffness, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, seizure, vision changes, or vomiting that will not stop. These may signal stroke, meningitis, or other serious conditions.

    When to See a Doctor

    • Headaches occur more than 15 days per month or interfere with work and sleep
    • Pain does not improve with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief
    • New headache after age 50, or headache that wakes you from sleep
    • Headache with persistent fever, weight loss, or vision problems
    • You have hypertension, diabetes, or are pregnant — rule out secondary causes
    • Migraines with aura are increasing in frequency or severity

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How often can I use acupressure for headaches?

    For mild tension headaches, you can use acupressure several times a day as needed, with breaks if skin becomes sore. If headaches return daily, see a doctor to identify triggers such as eyestrain, caffeine withdrawal, or uncontrolled blood pressure rather than depending only on acupressure.

    Is acupressure safe during pregnancy?

    Some points, especially LI4 and certain lower-back and ankle points, are traditionally avoided in pregnancy because they may stimulate uterine activity. Pregnant women should ask their obstetrician before using any acupressure and should never skip medical review for persistent or severe headache — preeclampsia can present with headache and must be ruled out.

    Can acupressure replace migraine medicine?

    No. Acupressure may complement prescribed triptans, preventive medicines, or lifestyle changes for migraine. Severe migraines often need medical treatment. Keep using doctor-prescribed medication and discuss complementary techniques with your neurologist or general physician.

    Does acupressure work for sinus headaches?

    Facial and forehead points may ease pressure sensation temporarily. If green nasal discharge, fever, facial swelling, or pain lasting more than 10 days occurs, you may have bacterial sinusitis requiring antibiotics — acupressure cannot treat infection.

    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: December 2025. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.
  • New migraine procedure SphenoCath proving effective for some

    New migraine procedure SphenoCath proving effective for some

    SphenoCath Procedure

    KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Migraines affect 28 million Americans, most of them women. A variety of medications don’t help all of them get relief. A new procedure is helping some with the worst headaches.

    There is nothing sunny about the reason Leslie Gibson is wearing sunglasses. Gibson is suffering from light sensitivity, nausea and the pain of a migraine. A 10 on the pain scale. She says her migraine is worse now, but it’s always there.

    “It doesn’t ever go away. And I’ve had it since February,” said Gibson.

    At the University of Kansas Hospital, Gibson is having a procedure called SphenoCath. Dr. Zachary Collins, an interventional radiologist, says the procedure targets a cluster of nerves called SPG on the back side of the nasal cavity.

    “When people go into having a pattern of migraines, this SPG, this nerve complex endlessly fires in a circuit, and so the SphenoCath procedure is designed to reset that circuit,” said Dr. Collins.

    He numbs the nose using lidocaine gel and aerosol. Gibson finds that’s the worst part since it causes a burning sensation.

    Then the doctor inserts a special tube into a nostril. It’s designed to deliver stronger lidocaine to the nerve complex. X-ray confirms he’s in the right place. The infusion is repeated in the other nostril.

    Gibson had the same procedure six weeks ago, and her pain dropped.

    “It got quite a bit better for about two weeks,” she said.

    Dr. Collins says patients can need several treatments close together initially.

    “The patients that come in actually need a couple of different treatments in kinda rapid succession before they get that more long-term relief,” he said.

    He says the average migraine patient who gets relief with SphenoCath will need three or four treatments a year.

    A couple of minutes after Gibson’s procedure, her pain is down to a seven on the pain scale.

    “The pain in my temple area is quite a bit better, so it’s getting there,” she said.

    She’s hoping that this time, SphenoCath will give her longer-lasting relief.

    Dr. Collins says he had one patient who went from a 10 on the pain scale to zero in a matter of minutes.

    The procedure costs $2,500. Insurers will cover it.

  • Few suspected dietary migraine triggers

    Few suspected dietary migraine triggers

    {{ brizy_dc_image_alt uid='wp-615e5570b6a99ba18da15324c52ca2a6.jpg' }}

    HOME

    DOCTOR

    Editor

    ALL POSTS

    According to a 2004 study, migraine headaches affect 12% of the adult population in the United States. Lack of food or sleep, exposure to light, anxiety, stress, fatigue, or hormonal irregularities (in women) can set off a migraine attack. Exercise, relaxation, and avoiding trigger foods may have a role in migraine treatment.

    Dietary Triggers

    Dietary triggers may affect the migraine process by influencing the release of serotonin and norepinephrine, causing constriction or dilation of blood vessels, or by direct stimulation of the nervous system.  Reactions are often within 24 hours after an implicated food has been consumed.  Nausea, vomiting, and acute sensitivity to light, smell, or sound may occur.

    {{ brizy_dc_image_alt uid='wp-582035fff3990381bf8b26501c97bf83.jpg' }}

    Suspected dietary migraine triggers include:

    • Alcohol such as red wine, champagne, and beer

    • Rapidly cutting back on caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, and cola can trigger caffeine-withdrawal headaches

    • Aged cheese such as cheddar, brie, and camembert

    • Bananas, figs, raisins, and citrus fruits

    • Ice cream or other foods at extreme temperatures

    • Nuts and peanut butter

    • Hot dogs, bacon, ham, salami, chicken livers, and shrimp

    • Packaged potato products

    • Onions, pea pods, and lima beans

    • Monosodium glutamate and aspartame

    • Chocolate

    One who suffers from migraines is likely not sensitive to all of these potential dietary triggers and, therefore, avoidance of all these foods is not encouraged. Treatment begins with a headache and diet diary.

    Depending on how often your headaches occur, you may need to keep the diary for several weeks. By recording foods eaten and the times that headaches occur, if food sensitivities exist, a pattern may be identified. That food(s) can then be avoided to prevent future headaches.

    Other lifestyle changes that may prevent migraines include following a meal and snack schedule, exercising, weight loss if overweight, increasing the intake of canola oil and fish from the diet, and after consultation with a physician, use of magnesium and fish oil capsules.

    Migraine
    Diet
    LIKE
    SHARE
    TWEET
  • Can cold packs ease migraine pain?

    Can cold packs ease migraine pain?

    The word ” headache” doesn’t really do justice to a migraine. Migraines don’t just ache; they take over. Once the pain starts, it’s hard to think about anything else.

    Millions of migraineurs tackle their pain with prescription or over-the-counter drugs. But there are other options. For about $4, you can buy a pack of four WellPatch Migraine pads from Mentholatum. Users are instructed to stick a pad on their forehead as soon as pain starts. The pad is filled with a watery gel that starts evaporating when the package is opened. The evaporation cools the skin beneath the pad, a sensation that’s enhanced by a subtle scent of menthol. According to the package, the cooling lasts up to eight hours.

    cool pack for migraineMigraine Be Koool pads, a very similar product from Kobayashi Healthcare, also sell for about $1 each. Like the WellPatch Migraine pads, Migraine BeKoool pads stick directly to the forehead and cool the skin through evaporation. And, like the WellPatch, they have a little menthol for extra cooling.

    The Thera-Med Headache Band from Carex takes a colder approach to migraine relief. Unlike the WellPatch or Be Koool pads, it chills out in the freezer or refrigerator when not in use. The band, which is held in place with Velcro straps, contains a “micro-gel” that freezes without hardening. One side of the band is covered in fabric for a more gentle cool-down, kind of like wrapping a towel around an ice pack. People who want extra cold can use the side without the fabric. Expect to pay less than $10 for each band, which can be reused indefinitely.

    The claims: The WellPatch website says that the pad “cools and soothes the discomfort associated with migraine.” Todd Cantrell, director of marketing at Mentholatum, clarifies that the pads don’t really treat the migraine itself but can make the whole experience a little more bearable.

    The website for Migraine Be Koool says that “nothing provides more immediate and soothing relief to migraine headaches than Migraine Be Koool.” Kobayashi Healthcare didn’t respond to requests for comment.

    The Thera-Med website says that the band “helps relieve migraine, tension and sinus headaches.” It also says that “researchers have found that cold treatment is shown to be effective in 50-60% of headache sufferers.” Fred Thiemann, a product manager for Carex, notes that “many people spend lots of money on drugs for headaches,” adding that the pad could “solve their problem” at a fraction of the price.