Since being first isolated in 1886, arginine has shown possible use as a form of migraine treatment, according to a study published in a 1998 issue of the “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research.” This is possibly because arginine is a precursor of a substance that helps widen blood vessels called nitric oxide, MayoClinic.com notes. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. So your body is usually able to produce arginine in sufficient amounts, but supplementation is sometimes required such as during times of illness.
Migraine Symptoms and Causes
Prior to a migraine, your vision may become slightly disturbed in different ways like blurring, temporary blind spots or tunnel vision. People that experience this symptom usually develop migraines between 10 and 15 minutes after, according to a 2010 article in "The New York Times Health Guide," a medical reference guide accredited by the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. Migraines usually cause throbbing, pounding or pulsating pain. The pain usually starts as a dull ache that gets progressively worse within minutes or hours. Other symptoms include chills, increased urination, appetite loss as well as impaired ability to cognitive function. Migraines are caused by a variety of reasons that include alcohol use, allergic reactions, stress, hormonal changes and changes in sleep patterns. These causes induce migraines when they affect blood flow to the brain.
Ibuprofen-Arginine and Acute Migraines
A study published in a 1998 issue of the “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research” found that using arginine as part of a new formulation of ibuprofen proved to be effective in treating acute migraine attacks. The results of the study showed that IA, the ibuprofen-arginine formulation, was absorbed more quickly than ibuprofen alone. Moreover, IA caused significant pain relief from migraine attacks 30 minutes after it was administered. Although more research is needed to better evaluate arginine’s feasibility in migraine treatment, the results of the study are encouraging.
Arginine and Blood Pressure
Part of the reason why arginine is potentially useful in treating migraines is because it causes your arteries to widen. Your blood pressure purportedly lowers as a result of arginine’s dilation effect, MayoClinic.com says. If this is true, then this could help support arginine’s feasibility as a form of migraine treatment. However, further research is needed to ascertain the validity of arginine’s widening effect on your blood vessels.
Migraine Treatments
There are two main types of migraine medications -- pain-relievers and preventive medications. Pain-relievers, such as ibuprofen and opiates, are used during migraine attacks and also help manage pain. Preventive medications are meant to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraines. Some examples of preventive migraine medication include cardiovascular drugs and anti-seizure medications.
References
- "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research"; Effectiveness of Ibuprofen-Arginine in the Treatment of Acute Migraine Attacks; G. Sandrini, et al.; 1998
- MayoClinic.com: Arginine; August 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Can L-arginine Supplements Lower Blood Pressure; Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D.; May 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Migraine; June 2011
- "The New York Time Health Guide"; Migraine; Kevin Sheth; November 2010
