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Cold Therapy for Migraine

Editorial Team's avatar image

By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: October 2024 | Last updated: March 2025

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is often used for different types of aches and pains. It is one of the most common self-care treatments for people with migraine. Cold therapy for migraine involves applying cold packs or caps to the head or neck. The treatment of migraine with cold therapy has been used for more than 150 years.1

How does migraine cold therapy work?

While the exact way it works on migraine is not clear, cold therapy is known to constrict blood vessels (vasoconstriction) and reduce inflammation. Cold therapy is also known to have a pain-relieving effect on the nervous system.1

There are few studies on cold therapy and migraine. A 2023 meta-analysis of 6 different studies evaluated the use of several cold therapies for adults with migraine, including:2

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  • Cold-gel headband
  • Cold-gel cap
  • Intraoral cooling
  • Skin temperature biofeedback
  • Cold wrap accompanied by massage

Results showed that these cold therapies had a short-term effect on migraine pain compared to non-cold therapies. However, more research is needed to determine whether cold therapies have long-term effects on pain, nausea, and vomiting.2

Examples of products for migraine cold therapy

There are many different products that people may use for migraine cold therapy, including:1

  • Ice bag
  • Cold pack
  • Fluids used on the skin, like ethyl chloride, that cool by evaporation
  • Cooling pads
  • Gel caps for the head
  • Cold compression wraps
  • Frozen neck wraps
  • Frozen gel packs inserted into headbands

What are the possible side effects?

Because cold therapy does not involve ingesting any medicines or supplements, there are few side effects from using this method of treatment. People who have cold intolerance or sensitivity to cold may not be able to use cold therapy.1,2

These are not all the possible side effects of cold therapy. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when using cold therapy. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when using cold therapy.

Other things to know

Ice packs should not be applied to bare skin constantly. Using a cloth covering can help prevent areas from damage like frostbite.1,2

As always, the best source for advice on treating migraine is your own migraine specialist. Before beginning treatment for migraine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.