Migraine, a neurological disorder, occurs more frequently in women than in men. It ranks as the second leading cause of disability globally and the top cause among young women. Magnesium plays multiple roles in the body, with one of its primary functions being to support several vital neurophysiological processes:

  • Transmission of nerve impulses: Magnesium maintains the necessary electrical potential in nerve cells.
  • Signal transmission from nerves to muscles.
  • Proper endothelial function and contractility of blood vessels.

Mechanisms of Magnesium’s Effect on Migraine

Clinical observations have noted that people predisposed to migraines often have reduced levels of magnesium in their blood plasma, such as during pregnancy, menopause, stress, and in individuals who abuse alcohol or take diuretics. During a migraine attack, these individuals experience an additional decrease in magnesium levels in their blood serum, red blood cells, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid. This pattern was identified by Italian researchers using atomic absorption spectrophotometry when comparing healthy individuals to patients with migraine aura and those without it.

Migraine attacks are linked to spasms in cerebral blood vessels. Magnesium ions regulate smooth muscle tone in both cerebral and peripheral blood vessels. Magnesium deficiency stimulates the production of serotonin, a vasoconstrictor that exacerbates vascular spasms. The presence of magnesium ions relieves serotonin-induced vasospasms.

The onset of migraine aura is often associated with cortical spreading depression (CSD). Danish researchers report that low magnesium concentrations in brain tissue lead to earlier onset and easier spread of cortical depression under laboratory conditions.

Menstrual migraines are also linked to minimal plasma magnesium levels during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

The identified connection between magnesium deficiency and migraine headaches has led to research into magnesium compounds for both the prevention and treatment of migraine attacks.

Forms of Magnesium and Their Efficacy

Prevention

According to data from a randomized placebo-controlled study conducted by Italian researchers, oral intake of magnesium citrate at a daily dosage of 1830 mg reduced the frequency of migraine attacks by 64% after three months of use. Furthermore, in 59% of cases, magnesium reduced the intensity of migraine attacks, and 29% of participants experienced a complete cessation of migraines.

In another study involving only women, researchers examined the efficacy of magnesium pyrrolidone carboxylate in preventing menstrual migraines. Participants received 360 mg of magnesium daily, starting on day 15 of their cycle and continuing until the first day of menstruation. This regimen was repeated for two cycles. In the magnesium group, there were 51% fewer headache days compared to the placebo group.

Treatment

Researchers note that oral magnesium supplementation is ineffective during a migraine attack. However, intravenous magnesium sulfate has shown efficacy. For example, relief occurred within 15 minutes in patients with acute migraine attacks and low levels of ionized magnesium in their blood serum, and 86% of these patients experienced relief lasting at least 24 hours. U.S. researchers observed these results.

A 2016 meta-analysis by Taiwanese researchers summarized the findings from years of studies on magnesium for migraine prevention and treatment. The researchers identified 21 high-quality studies: 10 focused on oral magnesium intake for migraine prevention, while 11 explored intravenous administration during migraine attacks. The analysis confirmed that oral magnesium supplementation significantly reduced the frequency of migraines by 80% and the intensity of migraines by 73%. Intravenous administration also significantly alleviated acute migraines by 77% after 15-45 minutes, 80% after 120 minutes, and 75% after 24 hours. However, the researchers noted that due to the lack of standardized protocols for magnesium administration, different dosages and forms of magnesium compounds were used across studies.

Conclusion

Migraine is a common neurological disorder triggered by spasms in cerebral blood vessels. Magnesium plays several essential roles in neurophysiological processes, particularly in regulating the diameter of cerebral blood vessels. Magnesium deficiency can provoke migraine attacks. Oral magnesium compounds are effective for preventing migraines, but during an acute migraine, oral administration is ineffective. Intravenous magnesium is the only effective form for treating acute migraines, providing 24-hour relief in 86% of cases.

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