Doctor reveals simple hack that can temporarily ease discomfort from migraine

Updated on: Sep 2, 2025, 13:49:02 IST

By Eshana Saha

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Cold therapy can provide temporary relief to intense migraine pain. (Unsplash)

Dr. Sood shares a simple hack - placing a cold water bottle or cold pack on your forehead - that can help ease migraine headache and the mechanism behind it.

Migraines are no trivial business - far more than just a “bad headache,” they are a debilitating neurological condition that can disrupt daily activities for hours or even days. Characterized by intense throbbing headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual disturbances, migraines can seriously disrupt daily life and productivity. While treatments range from medication to lifestyle adjustments, many people continue to seek simple, accessible remedies to manage the pain when it strikes.

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Double board-certified physician in anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine, Dr. Kunal Sood has revealed a simple hack that can provide temporary relief to intense migraine pains. In an Instagram post from September 2, the doctor explains the physiological mechanism behind cold therapy for migraines - showing how a chilled bottle or cold pack can bring temporary relief and sharing the research that backs it up.

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A post shared by Kunal Sood, MD (@doctorsoood)

How does cold therapy work?

Dr. Sood breaks down the positive effect of cold therapy on blood vessels: “The cold causes blood vessels to constrict which may help offset the dilation thought to trigger migraine pain.” Additionally, cold therapy also soothes the neural pathways, by slowing down nerve signals, especially those through the trigeminal nerve, which is a major pathway linked to migraine attacks. Dr. Sood also mentions, “The cold creates a numbing effect and may reduce inflammation in the forehead and scalp offering temporary relief.”

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“In studies, cold head wraps and compresses provided fast relief, especially within the first 30 minutes,” the doctor notes. However, he also mentions that it might not be effective for everyone, and the intensity of effects may vary from person to person. It is a temporary solution and does not provide prolonged relief. But cold therapy is a simple, low-risk option to manage migraine discomfort that is worth trying out when the attack begins.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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