The pain associated with migraine results from vasodilation, or blood vessel expansion and is accompanied by symptoms including headache, nausea and light or sound sensitivity. The National Migraine Association indicates the most common forms of migraine are migraine with aura, or migraine without aura and approximately 28 million Americans experience migraine, with 21 million of sufferers being women. With such a high rate of individuals suffering from migraine, medical and alternative treatment approaches aim to prevent onset by managing triggers or attempt to reduce the duration of symptoms once an attack happens. Vitamin and mineral supplements are one means of preventive treatment useful in migraine intervention.
Migraine Cause
Several factors contribute to the onset of migraine, however, no one cause is known. Initially blood flow changes occurring in the brain lead to blood vessel expansion and constriction. The shift from reduced blood flow to increased blood flow initiates the headache pain and accompanying symptoms. The source of pain is thought to stem from nerve cell damage in the brain, likely resulting from genetic predisposition, hormone fluctuations or the presentation of any variety of physiological triggers. Pinpointing the cause is helpful in finding the appropriate treatment for migraine, making the use of magnesium and vitamins significant as intervention methods.
Migraine and Menstruation
Women experiencing migraine before, during or after menstruation is resultant of fluctuations in the hormone estrogen, notes the National Headache Foundation. Premenstrual syndrome, occurring before menstruation, causes similar hormone fluctuations as those occurring during the menstrual cycle. Headaches, nausea and irritability accompany the pre and post menstrual cycle, as well as light or sound sensitivity. Magnesium and vitamin B6 are of use in reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and as a means for preventing a full migraine attack during menstruation.
Magnesium Use and Dose
Magnesium is a mineral important for maintaining healthy nerve functioning. Sources of magnesium from foods include whole grains, nuts and green vegetables. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet keeps consistency in your body magnesium level, however, supplements are an option in preventing and treating migraine. As a migraine preventive measure, magnesium dosage of 400 mg daily is suggested, notes the National Migraine Association. The Center for Young Women's Health indicates taking magnesium at a dose no higher than 400 mg daily is effective for premenstrual syndrome symptoms and to prevent migraine progression into menstruation.
Role of Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 facilitates healthy nervous system functions and in the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan to usable niacin. This conversion is part of the process of maintaining hormonal balance, which can impact the onset of migraine. Vitamin B6 is not commonly used as a preventive treatment for migraine. However, during pre-menstruation, taking doses not to exceed the upper tolerable limit of 100 mg per day can help prevent migraine related symptoms, notes the Center for Young Women's Health. Riboflavin, or vitamin B2 is more commonly indicated as supplemental treatment for migraine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- National Migraine Association: Migraine Treatment and Management
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headache
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- National Headache Foundation: Menstrually Related Migraine
- Center for Young Women's Health: Premenstrual Syndrome
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