Do Migraine Relief Caps Really Work? The Science Behind Cold Therapy & Photophobia

It’s Sunday afternoon and you suddenly start experiencing the tell-tale signs of an impending migraine attack; what do you do? For most people, the answer would be escaping to a cool, dimly lit room. In fact, according to the American Migraine Foundation, most migraineurs say that resting in a dark room for 20-30 minutes helps alleviate migraine pain to some degree.

So what is it about a dark, brisk room that’s so helpful during migraine attacks? In this article, we’ll discuss how combining two of the most underrated migraine remedies: darkening and cold therapy, can reduce the duration and intensity of migraines and headaches. Plus, you’ll learn how to leverage the power of these natural remedies even when you’re on the go.

What is cold therapy?

Cold therapy is a simple yet effective remedy that’s been used in Eastern and Western medicine for over 150 years to alleviate migraine headaches. Studies show that targeted cooling at the onset of a migraine attack – i.e., applying ice packs to specific areas around the head and neck at the first sign of a migraine – can significantly reduce pain intensity within 30 minutes. A 2019 study of women with tension headaches also found that head and neck cold therapy effectively managed symptoms and even reduced the frequency of headaches.

The principle behind cold therapy for migraines is based on how the body responds to cold temperatures. When cold is applied to the skin, surrounding blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the area. This constriction helps reduce swelling and inflammation, which helps soothe some of the pain and discomfort of migraines. There’s also some evidence that targeted cold therapy may help numb overactive nerves and diminish the intensity of pain signals transmitted to the brain.

Why does light worsen migraine symptoms?

Light exposure is a major trigger for many migraine sufferers. This is called photophobia, and it is estimated that up to 80% of people who get migraines struggle with light sensitivity as well. The exact mechanism behind photophobia in migraines is not yet fully understood, but experts believe that certain visual pathways in the brain may become hyperexcitable during an attack, causing an exaggerated – and often painful – response to light stimuli. Fortunately, the absence of light (i.e., being in a dark environment), can have the opposite effect in migraine pain.

Doubling down on relief with a migraine relief cap

Migraine & Headache Relief Cap – COLD THERAPY

If you are constantly sidelined by debilitating migraine headaches, a migraine relief cap, also called a migraine hat, ice cap or cold cap, can offer some of the functional, drug-free relief you’ve been searching for. Made to harness the soothing effects of both cold therapy and darkness, migraine caps are specialized headgear meant to address the unique challenges that migraine and headache sufferers face.

Migraine caps offer targeted relief by directly addressing the affected areas (forehead, scalp, temples, and the back of the neck). They resemble a beanie, headband or wrap that fits snugly around the head and eyes and are made of a flexible material designed to stay cool for extended periods. Some people find the slight compression comforting as well which can usually be adjusted. The outer layer is typically made of a soft fabric that feels gentle against the skin – which is especially important during intense attacks that make the nerves around your head so sensitive that even the slightest touch becomes painful. The caps can be frozen, kept in the freezer or refrigerator depending on the desired coldness preferred while wearing the cap.

Takeaway

Migraine caps are a practical and effective accessory that provides relief and comfort during migraine and headache episodes. These caps offer natural, targeted relief and unmatched convenience and functionality by incorporating cold therapy and light-blocking capabilities. So, whether at home, at the office, or out and about, consider incorporating a migraine cap as part of your migraine toolbox for quick and easy on-the-go relief.