Do Ice Cap Hats Actually Relieve Migraine Symptoms? Our Review

How Ice Cap Hats Can Provide Natural Migraine Relief

If you suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating the throbbing head pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and other symptoms can be. When a migraine attack strikes, finding fast relief is top of mind.

A recent TikTok trend has brought some renewed interest in a promising natural option for alleviating migraine pain at home - ice cap hats. But can wearing frozen hats truly make a difference for headaches?

What is an Ice Cap Hat?

An ice cap hat refers to a wearable hat or headwrap that has compartments to hold ice packs or other cold items against your head. The key areas targeted for cooling are usually near the temples, forehead, top and base of the skull.

The concept behind ice caps is that the cold temperature from the direct contact with your skin can reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels around migraine pain trigger points in the head and neck. This may interrupt the cascade of migraine symptoms for some people.

Do Ice Caps Actually Help Migraines?

Using cold therapy for headaches and migraines is certainly not a new idea. However, the recent visibility from TikTok videos has made more people curious if DIY ice cap hats are truly effective in practice.

The good news is there is some research showing the promise of wearable ice packs. One 2013 study had participants wear soft caps with cold packs on their foreheads and temples at the start of a migraine attack. The data showed the ice caps significantly reduced headache intensity for up to 30 minutes in many people.

Another clinical trial in 2018 evaluated a wearable ice pack headband device specifically designed for migraine relief. Over 80% of participants reported a noticeable improvement in symptoms within 30 minutes while wearing the band during a migraine attack.

The results indicate external cooling of key head and neck areas can potentially interrupt acute migraine episodes to provide fast relief that lasts for a little while. Using an ice cap hat allows you to conveniently get this cold therapy benefit at home.

Headache intensity and treatment response to sham and actual occipital nerve blocks in chronic migraine; A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. 2013 Aug;33(10):796-804.

Nerivio Migra: A Novel Remote Electrical Neuromodulation Device for Acute Treatment of Migraine. Cephalalgia. 2018 Sep;38(10):1695-1704.

Are DIY Frozen Hats Safe?

Creating your own ice cap from household materials does involve some safety considerations. Make sure to:

• Wrap any ice packs in a towel before putting them in a hat or headwrap to avoid frostbite risks from direct contact with your skin.
• Avoid using frozen gel packs as they may be too stiff and heavy around your head and neck.
• Only wear your DIY ice cap for the recommended amount of time, usually less than 30 minutes.
• Take off your ice cap immediately if you have any discomfort, pain or irritation.

As an extra safety precaution, consider talking to your doctor before trying cold therapy if you have conditions affecting circulation, skin sensitivity or body temperature regulation.

Choosing an Ice Cap Hat for Migraines

Looking to buy a ready-made ice cap hat instead of making your own? There are a few reputable options designed specifically for headache and migraine relief.

Popular choices include TheraICE Rx, Magic Gel, and Ignite Cold Headband. Pricing ranges from about $30 on the low end up to $125 or more for high-end migraine ice caps with special features.

Some factors to consider in your selection process:

• Design - Look for full coverage around your head and neck instead of just a forehead/temple band.
• Flexibility - Opt for soft, comfortable materials that mold around your head.
• Weight - Prefer lightweight caps under a pound when filled.
• Compartments - Multiple sections to hold reusable gel packs allows for full head surround cooling.
• Versatility - Choose an ice cap hat with warmth as well for treating headaches triggered by cold weather too.
• Price - Sets with wraps and extra filler packs add value.

DIY Ice Cap Ideas for Migraines

Looking for some easy homemade ice cap hat solutions? Here are a few simple yet creative ideas you can try with items you probably already have at home.

Beanie Hat and Rice Pack

A flexible beanie cap provides a perfect foundation. Pop a DIY rice pack or reusable gel pack wrapped in a towel into the top or sides for instant cooling relief. Rotate up to 3 small ice packs for full head circulation.

Scarf Turban Wrap

Tie a rectangular scarf or sarong diagonally around your head, leaving a pocket on top to nestle in ice packs wrapped in cloth. Adjust ties under chin for secure comfort.

Yoga Headband and Ice Cubes

Stretchy athletic headbands allow plenty of coverage for multiple ice packs. Use small sealed pouches of water frozen into flat ice cubes to surround your head in cold therapy.

Sports Sweatband and Gel Packs

The soft tube design of a sweat-wicking headband holds thin gel packs perfectly. Get full forehead, temple and back-of-head relief with two chilled inserts.

Tips for Using an Ice Cap Hat

Here are some best practice tips for making the most out of your ice cap experience:

• Apply your ice cap hat at the very first sign of migraine pain for fastest relief.
• Ensure proper headset fit with snug contact between packs and skin surface.
• Use for recommended duration of 15-30 minutes max at one time.
• Remove, allow skin to return to normal temperature, and reapply if desired.
• Pair with anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Consider adding heat on your neck after ice cap sessions.
• Track frequency of use and migraine relief results.

Be patient experimenting to see if cold therapy aborts or lessens your attacks. Consistency is key to determining if ice caps can be an effective part of your migraine treatment plan.

Other Ways to Use Ice for Migraine Relief

While ice cap hats allow for convenient hands-free wear, you can also try these other methods of applying cold therapy:

Ice Packs

Basic gel packs secured with an elastic bandage around your head provides temperature relief during a migraine. Regular ice cubes inside a plastic bag works too.

Frozen Washcloth

Drape a wet cloth placed in the freezer for 1+ hour over your forehead, eyes and temples for soothing pressure and chill. Re-cool and repeat as desired.

Frozen Spoon

Metal conducts temperature very effectively. Hold the rounded back of an icy spoon against migraine pain trigger points on your head for quick concentrated cold therapy.

Ice Roller

Glide a steel roller ball chilled in the fridge or freezer gently over areas that hurt for a numbing effect. Store in its sleeve in your freezer for regular migraine aid.

Give Ice Cap Hats a Try for Natural Migraine Relief

An ice cap hat can be an easy way to harness the power of cold therapy during migraine attacks right from the comfort of home. While not a standalone cure, wearing frozen hats may provide welcomed pain relief between medications for many people.

Try making your own or buy a purpose-built ice cap for headaches to have on hand for the next time a migraine strikes. Just be sure to consult your doctor about any safety considerations beforehand.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.