Electrolyte imbalance occurs when your body contains inadequate amounts of certain minerals, such as sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Certain conditions can upset the delicate balance of these minerals, leading to symptoms that range in intensity and seriousness. While headaches may occur as a result, there is no evidence to suggest that an electrolyte imbalance specifically causes migraine headaches.
Migraines
A migraine headache is a certain type of headache that may cause intense pain in one area of your head and often includes vomiting. A migraine attack may last hours or days and cause extreme sensitivity to sound and light. Some migraines include an aura, which is a sensory condition that appears as flashes of light or tingling sensations along your extremities. The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although research indicates that imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, may play a role. Some possible triggers include stress, hormonal or environmental changes, physical exertion, medications and certain foods.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals in the form of electrically charged ions. Proper muscle and nerve function rely on the proper balance of ions, a condition that ensures adequate amounts of these minerals pass into and out of your cells. Healthy electrolyte levels for adults include serum levels of calcium that fall between 4.5 and 5.5 mEq/L, and levels of magnesium that range from 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L. mEq/L stands for milliequivalent per liter. Electrolyte testing also measures other minerals.
Imbalances
Electrolyte imbalances occur when the levels of one or more electrolytes increase or decrease above the healthy levels. They symptoms of an electrolyte balance can vary, depending on the type and amount of the specific electrolyte that is out of balance. Common symptoms of an imbalance include numbness, muscle spasm, lethargy, convulsions, irregular heartbeat and seizures. An inadequate amount of sodium, a condition known as hyponatremia, can increase your risk of headache, but not necessarily your risk of a migraine headache.
Considerations
Migraine headaches differ from common headaches. Unlike common headaches, migraines usually occur in one area of your head and last at least four to 72 hours in duration and can include auras, prodrome and postdrome periods. Identifying and eliminating triggers that cause migraines, as well as exercising regularly, may help reduce the frequency of these intense headaches, notes the MayoClinic.com website. The vomiting that often accompanies migraines may lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Staying hydrated during a migraine attack may help minimize this risk.
