Magnesium & Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches often occur in women around the time of their menstrual periods. Frequently, these women have a magnesium deficiency, which is thought to alter the way the brain's nerves function, resulting in a migraine headache.

Magnesium and Nerve Function

• According to Dr. Stewart J. Tepper, who wrote, "Understanding Migraine and Other Headaches," some medical experts believe that a migraine can result from a lack of magnesium in the brain. This deficiency could make the brain's nerves hyperexcitable, destabilizing their ability to control charged ions. As a result, the nerves' cells can fire too easily, resulting in a migraine.

Magnesium and Calcium

• Because magnesium is an important component of calcium absorption, consuming the appropriate dosages of each daily is key. For adults, this amount correlates to 1,200mg of calcium and 300mg of magnesium.

Causes

• Magnesium deficiency can be caused by medications, such as diuretics, by alcohol and by chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Intravenous Magnesium

• Low magnesium levels have been found in female patients around their menstrual periods. Dr. Tepper has stated that intravenous magnesium treatment has been used successfully to terminate menstrual migraines in some, but not all, cases.

Magnesium Supplements

• Some doctors prescribe daily magnesium supplements for patients suffering from migraine and magnesium deficiency. These supplements are usually available without a prescription in drugstores and health stores, and they have been linked to decreased migraine symptoms.

Magnesium-Rich Foods

• For patients who do not want to take a supplement or intravenous treatment, some food sources offer substantial amounts of magnesium. These foods include spinach, nuts, bananas and whole grains.