Migraines -- severe recurrent pain that lasts from between 4 and 72 hours -- occur in two forms, with aura and without. In migraine with aura, there are visual disturbances about 30 minutes before the migraine begins. Sometimes, instead of experiencing visual disturbances, you may have other symptoms such as depression, thirst or sleepiness. Magnesium supplements may reduce the frequency or severity of symptoms in some migraine sufferers, but discuss the use of magnesium supplements with your doctor before taking them, since side effects can occur.
Definitions
Magnesium plays an important role in muscle and nerve function, maintaining a regular heartbeat, building bones and keeping the immune system healthy. Low levels of magnesium often occur as people age and also occur more often in people who have problems with their gastrointestinal tract such as Crohn's disease, since the gut absorbs magnesium. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include decreased appetite, nausea, numbness and tingling. Similar symptoms affect people with migraines during an attack. Around half of all migraine sufferers have low magnesium levels, the United States Department of Agriculture explains.
Effects
Migraines cause vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow through blood vessels, followed by vasodilation and increased blood flow, which leads to a severe headache. Magnesium supplements can cause vasodilation, which may lead to decreased migraines, according to the USDA.
Studies
Migraines cause vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow through blood vessels, followed by vasodilation and increased blood flow, which leads to a severe headache. Magnesium supplements can cause vasodilation, which may lead to decreased migraines, according to the USDA.
Risks
Magnesium sulfate can have serious side effects when given intravenously or in large amounts. Adverse effects include diarrhea and stomach cramps. Large amounts can cause loss of appetite, numbness and tingling, diarrhea, changes in mental status, weakness, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat and very low blood pressure. Kidney failure and death can occur in severe overdoses. Do not take this supplement without your doctor's approval.
References
- PubMed: Prophylaxis of Migraine with Oral Magnesium: Results From a Prospective,Multi-Center, Placebo-Controlled and Double-Blind Randomized Study; A Peikert; 1996
- PubMed: Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate Rapidly Alleviates Headaches of Various Types
- United States Department of Agriculture: Migraines, Sleeplessness, Heart Attacks - Magnesium?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium
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