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Could an icy blast up your nose get rid of a migraine?

I'm hesitant to try it out.

A Daily Mail article written by Roger Dobson alleges there is a new tool for relieving migraines that targets blood vessels in the brain, which expand during migraines. Dobson says scientists at Penrith Hospital, Cumbria are preparing to do a study, where they will blast cool liquid up the nostrils of 15 people who suffer from migraines for up to 20 minutes to shrink the blood vessels. The thought is the cool air will cause the vessels to shrink back to normal size, and therefore relieve the pain.

The new treatment, according to Dobson, is based on personal relief stories from people who say eating ice cream helps ease migraine pain

Speaking as someone who went to bed last night at 7 p.m. because I had an awful migraine, I'm doubting this supposed new treatment would work.

When I get migraines, I feel nauseous. I skipped dinner last night because I couldn't fathom the thought of preparing or putting anything in my stomach. I've never been able to think about eating ice cream while in such pain – actually, it makes my stomach twist a little bit thinking about it now.

Also, this new tool needs to be administered at a hospital. Would someone suffering from a migraine be okay with driving there and sitting in a loud, crowded waiting room until a doctor becomes available? I have a hard enough time trying not to cry while slumped on my bed, lights and phone off and curtains drawn in complete silence. I really can't imagine intentionally placing myself in one of the busiest, noisiest places possible.

About 1 in 10 people in North America experience migraines on a regular basis. Current treatments vary but can include sleep, pain relievers, ginger, water, acupuncture or caffeine. However, the best way to get rid of a migraine is to prevent it, which can be done by staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, eating properly and exercising regularly.

Migraines suck, and anyone who gets them on a regular basis would probably be willing to try just about anything to make them go away. But driving somewhere to get a shot of icy air up the nostril sounds a little less than comforting to me.

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