Fact or Fiction? The Truth About Popular At-Home Migraine Remedies
You are currently watching a preview of this interview. Unlock the full version by upgrading to an Access Pass bundle! Get FREE access to 8 expert interviews from Day 1 and Day 2 when you register today!
Key Questions
- How does online misinformation about “miracles” and “cures” contribute to the stigma surrounding migraine disease?
- What are some red flags that indicate online health information may be unreliable, unsafe, or unsupported by medical evidence?
- What is the placebo effect, and what role does it play in migraine management?
- What are Dr. Berk’s biggest concerns about misleading migraine “hacks”?
- Where can people find reliable information about home remedies for migraine?
- What are some options for over-the-counter “cocktails” or other treatments?
- How effective are commonly recommended at-home remedies for migraine?
- How can people respond to well-intentioned but unhelpful advice from friends or family about how to manage migraine disease?
Interview Notes
- Neura Health
- National Headache Foundation
- Study: “Barriers to care in episodic and chronic migraine: Results from the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes Study”
- LinkedIn: Thomas Berk, MD FAHS
- Instagram: @thomas.berk
- Instagram: @neurahealth
- X: @ThomasBerkMD
Treatments Mentioned
- Acupressure ear seeds
- Acupuncture
- Antihistamines
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Anti-nausea medication
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Blue light filters
- Caffeine
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Daith piercing
- Electrolytes
- Ginger
- Heat packs
- High sodium foods
- Hot water foot soak
- Hydration
- Ice packs
- Lidocaine
- Magnesium
- Massage
- Meditation
- Menthol
- Motion sickness bands
- Supplements
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device
- Trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) device
- Vitamins
Please note: The Migraine World Summit’s aim is to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, independent of bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan.
Thomas Berk, MD, FAHS
Medical Director; Adjunct Professor
Neura Health; Thomas Jefferson University
Dr. Thomas Berk is the medical director of Neura Health and a neurologist and headache specialist based in New York City. A former clinical assistant professor at the Department of Neurology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, he has more than 12 years of clinical experience.
Dr. Berk graduated from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and completed his neurology residency there. He completed a headache fellowship at the Jefferson Headache Center in Philadelphia. He is a fellow of the American Headache Society and, for the past five years, has been on the Super Doctors list of rising stars, a list of outstanding doctors from more than 40 medical specialties.
Get all the 2025 interviews, videos, audio, transcripts, and more. Why upgrade?
- Can’t attend live? Watch anytime
- Prefer reading or listening? Get transcripts and audio
- Want to dive deeper? Explore the additional footage & resources
- Need ongoing support? Reference expert advice year-round
- Lifetime access to 2025, no annual fee
Related Talks for: Day 6 (2025)
When One Treatment Isn’t Enough: Layering Therapies in Migraine Management
Matthew Robbins, MD
Hormones & Migraine: Debunking the Myths of HRT
Anne MacGregor, MD
The Global Healthy Living Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses (such as arthritis, osteoporosis, migraine, psoriasis, asthma, alopecia, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disease) by advocating for improved access to health care at the community, state, and federal levels, and amplifying education and awareness efforts within its social media framework.
At AbbVie, we are committed to empowering people living with migraine disease. We advance science that enables health care providers to care for people impacted across the spectrum of migraine. Through education and partnerships with the migraine community, we strive to help those with migraine navigate barriers to care, access effective treatments and reduce the impact of migraine on their lives. To learn more, visit AbbVie.com.
Looking for a topic not covered this year? Explore our Interview Library with 300+ expert talks. Search by keywords or synonyms for the best results. Get lifetime access to past interviews today!
