From Erciyes University in Turkey comes an important study on the use of oral magnesium citrate for migraine prevention. Here is the abstract of this recently published study.
There are inconsistent findings about the efficacy of magnesium in the prophylaxis of migraine attacks and there is no study of magnesium prophylaxis focused on migraine subtypes without aura. In this double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study; we tried to evaluate the prophylactic effects of oral magnesium in migraine patients without aura. The prophylactic effects of 600 mg/day oral magnesium citrate supplementation were assessed by means of clinical evaluation, visual evoked potential and statistical parametric mapping of brain single photon emission computerized tomography before and after a 3 month treatment period. The results of 30 patients with migraine without aura (20-55 years old with 2-5 migraine attacks per month) on magnesium treatment were compared with those of 10 patients with similar properties on placebo treatment. Migraine attack frequency, severity and P1 amplitude in visual evoked potential examination decreased after magnesium treatment with respect to pretreatment values (p < 0.001). In a comparison of the effects of magnesium treatment with those of placebo, post/pretreatment ratios of migraine attack frequency, severity and P1 amplitude in Mg treatment group were found to be significantly lower than those in placebo treatment group (attack frequency p = 0.005, attack severity p < 0.001, P1 amplitude p < 0.05). Cortical blood flow in inferolateral frontal (p < 0.001), inferolateral temporal (p = 0.001) and insular regions (p < 0.01) increased significantly after magnesium treatment with respect to the pretreatment; while such significant changes of cortical blood flow were not observed with placebo treatment. These results have made us think that magnesium is a beneficial agent in prophylaxis of migraine without aura and might work with both vascular and neurogenic mechanisms.
Reference — Köseoglu E, Talaslioglu A, Gönül AS, Kula M. The effects of magnesium prophylaxis in migraine without aura. Magnes Res. 2008 Jun;21(2):101-8.
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25 Comments
Dear Dr Amen,
I think you are absolutely wonderful – I mean, FULL of WONDER!
I saw you on PBS. I love your face.
I love the love that is clearly driving your bus. How refreshing to behold a soulful scientist! Thank you for all the great lifesaving work you are doing. It is remarkable work and you are managing to keep a playful spirit. You are the first doctor I have ever wanted to move toward rather than AWAY from! You have given me hope that maybe finally, I could get the right kind of help.
with my brain. I have suffered for more than 50 yrs. I am now unable to function, my whole body is wracked with aches and pains, I’m heavily depressed and have at times this year thought this downward spiral would lead me to death because I don’t know how to stop it. Soemtimes I have brief respites ( the sun works great for me) but it doesn’t last. This has made it impossible to build a life with all these incredible gifts GOD has given me – and THAT has led to much despair.
Whatever is wrong with my brain has been wrong for a long long time – since I was a teenager. I was terrorized by my own parents (alcoholics, physical beatings from the age of two-18) and grew up afraid of everything. Then I had rages as a teenager. Ran away from home, very very angry. Isolation became my pattern. Bulimia. Depression. Anxiety. Very sexual. Impulsive. Promiscuous (would love to have some of that back!).
It’s not that I havene’t done some great things in my life – I have. But the depression always comes back and I have trouble sticking with anything and always seem to end up in the same black hole.
After watching you on PBS yesterday and reading this website I have some hope. I have so much to give and I really DO want to live.
This RAF Foundation sounds great.
I need to get myself the help and SUPPORT I need and maybe this is the way for me to go.
Feel free to write me back on my email.
Thank you so much for being a true person.
You are an inspiration.
Martha
Dr. Amen:Thanks again for all you do. I resently was scanned at your Reston clinic. As a matter of fact election week. I have had very devasting effects from co-ocurring things going going on my entire life. The beauty that was found as a results is there is things that can be done. Thanks again for your sincery (sp) interest in mankind.
Respectfully David Holder
Dr. Amen,
Have you had any experience dealing with patients who have cluster headaches, and if so please tell me about it. I have a 38 yr. old son who has had them since he was 27, and so far has not found anything that helps except for using oxygen to stop the headaches when they occur.
Thanks for all you do. I do drug education in the public schools and use your poster that shows the healthy 16 yr old brain, and brains of those who have abused drugs.
Sue
You need to have a clinic in Westchester County, NY. and Hurry!!
Love your books!
Dear Dr. Amen: MY 33 year old daughter and my 27 years old son have frequent head aches and they believe they have migrain problem, are you specialized in migrain head aches? can I make appointments for them to be seen in your fairfild clinic which is closer to us.
appreciate your respond
fali
I used to have migraines. They started as ocular only, then after some years became the classic “sick headache.” I know there’s a migraine coming before I wake up in the morning, because there’s a little pain that goes thru my head from above my R eyebrow to the back of my head. I’m ok until I try to eat breakfast, then the whole storm comes on: malaise, photophobia, nausea. The pain is never severe, but the malaise is unbearable. Immitrex helps, but I’m still under the weather all day. Then, every time, it all disappears in the afternoon, and by dinnertime it’s like nothing ever happened.
About 2 years ago they were coming more & more frequently, until it was happening about every 6 days. Because I suspected they were being triggered by a dust mite allergy, I started taking Benadryl 1 tab every night a bedtime, and the migraines stopped. In 2 years, I’ve had only 2 mild attacks.
Wierd thing is, I recently saw an allergist for the first time (for skin rash) and he wondered why I have chronic nasal/sinus congestion, so he had me go to have blood drawn for a complete allergy panel, and the results were surprising: I’m not allergic to anything! So I asked him, then why does the Benadryl prevent the migraines? He admitted he has no idea.
I’d rather not take the Benadryl (because it interferes with remembering my dreams), but I’m scared to stop.
I realize that I’m asking for a consult, and that it’s inappropriate. But do you have any ideas?
sjm
Dr. Amen, I truly appreciate your information and I sincerely pray that you will continue and put one in Ohio as well. Everyone needs this type of revelatory information. God bless you!
Do you have studies in your book on the effects of sugar on the brain? I used to have many migraines as just described above, but quit having sugar in my diet a few years ago, (eat some now), but not ever as much as I was, and rarely ever have any type of headache. That was my only behavior/food change, other than I eat yogurt and berries every day for breakfast. It also seemed to clear up a skin rash I used to have on my upper arms, skin bumps that went away entirely.
I don’t take any drugs for anything at this time. Thank you for your work.
I recently had a spect scan done at you Fairfield CA. location.
I am a seminarian studying for the catholic priesthood. The scan was very eye opening;however, I still could not get a clear understand how my learning disablity interacts with my new findings of ADD type4. Does you book cover anything about LD?
God Bless,
Jim
I would like to add a comment about Dr. Amen and the work he is doing regarding mental health. He is taking the stigma out of mental illness. WOW! Thank you. Sincerely, Elaine, one of your fans
I would like to make an appoint ment for myself (migraine sufferer(, my 9yo daughter wwho jut completed Linda Moode bell, but continues to have working memory , emotional intensity melt-downs. She has been treated and diagnosed as well as my other 2 male children Andrew (scan at ff clinic 6/08), Phillip age 7.5 with auditory processing disorder. Disorder was diagnosed and treated Andrew and sarah by Dr. Deb Swain and Tomatis method as well. Phil,7.5 yo has attention problems as well,Tomatis not yet. I would also like to have my husband have a scan-Hx of unconscious ness head injury skiiing accident early 30’s,Agitated disposition, mixes up thing that are said ;verbal slights. Currently a surgeon, has hadfine motor tremmors for 9+ years-in denial about Andrew’s (age 13.5)diagnosis ofmood disorder (see reort Dr. B Goldman ,Amen clinic 9/08. Andrew currenly is taking triliptal (has had working memory problems so we did not do reommended Topamax as of yet)and abilify (dr, Goldman).Seems to be working and has had a positive effect on attention deficit-like effects by modifing mood regulation. Current Psychiatrist used Strattera, Made Andrew very hostile/agressive/defiant:stopped,he also appeared to be moore sleepy and deprressed while taking. I am still concerned about this Dr.’s approach to this mood disorder because he has made mention that the way I react and disapine andrew, and our marital conflicts could be the problem causing the mood disorder ect. This MD has read a copy of the report from Amen Clinic regarding Andrew and was impressed by sceptical. We have not tried another stimulant trial because he/ and I feel that the mood disorder may not be under control yet. He wants to move slowly. We are seeing a family therapist for behavior interventions, andrew has not yet started with this person. I am sad to say that I should have consulted with an Amen clinician about this, and instead am getting the run around. I have alot of respect for your work and hope you do research on this soon. I hope your work will be able to benefit many of the US soliers with TBI also. I am also a former Army Nurse (1985-1992, reserves 1992-1993).Please let me know how you feel about this , thank you for all you have done for my son!
Dear Dr. Amen, I have watched your mind boggling work on P.B.S. 4 TIMES!! Informative, insightful, funny ,life changing for me. I finally see why I am the way that I am .I have even subscribed to MN TC PT, to obtain your work, Change Your Brain,Change your life. As part of that subscription I get your wonderful informative e-mails!This is why I’m writ ting you with this question about Magnesium Citrate I suffer from severe ADD and Dyslexia, just recently diagnosed.
In my younger days my memory was pretty good. Now 60, if my head wasn’t attached, I’d loose it, of be searching for it for days!!
In the past after the age 16 I suffered a severe brain concussion.
At the age of 17 another one that I was hospitalized for. At the age of 21 a kick to the head by a horse entered me again to hospital.
After the last concussion, I have started suffering from debilitating migraines. Migraines run in my family, and now my only child is having them at 30. This MAGNESIUM CITRATE, you mention, is it available over the counter? Is the dosage needed only available by Dr. prescription only? Would greatly appreciate any information you could send. Sincerely Judith Finley
Dr.Amen
For many years I have called myself the “world’s most misdiagnosed patient.” I have been to 3 universities, and half dozen major clinics, maybe over a hundred doctors, maybe about 2 thousand hours of various psycho and group therapies.
Now I read two of your books, and just ordered two more. I am almost 75, and have new expectations of enjoying life more than before.
Thanks a bunch.
Dear Dr. Amen,
My Mom ordered your complete set from PBS a few months ago, and I have listened and read and absorbed the materials over and over. I’m fascinated by all your findings and wish that everyone would be open enough to believe what you have discovered about brain injury affecting behavior! People just don’t understand that some people whose brains have been injured can’t help what they are doing or not doing!
In regards to this article and the use of magnesium for migraines, I’d like to share my experience. I have had type 2 Diabetes for approx. 12 yrs. Around age 38 (perimenopoause) I started having migraines on a ‘monthly’ basis. I finally resorted to Imitrex for a time. Then, my chiropractor/naturopath started selling Peter Gillham’s Natural Calm in his office. He had discovered too that most humans are deficient in magnesium. There is also a website devoted to magnesium deficieny; http://www.magnesiumforlife.com – has much info about this and advocates magnesium oil and transdermal patches to maintain a constant level. I have used the Natural Calm for about 4 yrs. now, (you can get it cheaper online than in stores) and I have not had a migraine for all that time!! (or if I get the feeling of one coming on, the Calm will nip it out) I take this twice a day and it calms my tight neck muscles, brings my blood pressure down and prevents migraines!! Such a simple natural remedy instead of potentially harmful pharmaceuticals is so much better in my estimation! Please share this with your readers because there is also evidence that most oral magnesium supplements aren’t as readily absorbable as this Calm drink in warm water is!(I even use room temp. water) Keep up your good work of spreading this good news to the world! When I get enough money together, I will be coming to your Tacoma Clinic for some help with my brain! Thankfully, your questionaire has helped me to identify the main reasons for my recurring problems! I now know why some days I can type and play piano like the wind and other days are just lousy!! You know what that means!
May God bless you and your work!
Marlene Mankin
Dr. Amen,
My husband and I recently attended your seminar in Washington. We purchased several of your books and have watched several of your talks on PBS. We are impressed with your knowledge and dedication. Although we cannot participate in a much needed scan as our finances prevent, we are trying to treat ourselves with suppliments without success. The old addage “Physician, Heal Thyself” is just not working. Migraines, allergies, depression,diabetes, and weight difficulties plague us during this time while we are trying to read your books, put your knowledge to work for us, and get better. May I work for you in the Tacoma clinic, say cleaning in the hours after my full-time job, to earn the money for my husband to have a scan so at least his problems can be diagnosed and dealt with? Please e-mail back and let me know if this is a possibility so we can look to the future with a little more hope. Thank you for your time and dedication. Linda
I am curious if you have done scans or treated anyone with cluster headaches, and if so, what kind of treatment might you suggest?
Thanks
Dr. Amen,
I have been a migraine sufferer for approximately 20 years. When I have a migraine episode, I suffer from severe pain, paralysis of my right side, nausea, blurred vision, and dysfluency of words. Do you have any information on the prevention of migraines with aura?
Thank you.
Nutrition and Dr. Amen’s approach have significant benefits. There is however no cure all method that works for all sufferers. My 30 years experience as a chiropractor have unquestionably demonstrated that proper chiropractic treatment has had tremendous results in alleviating the headacche condition. Consider this is a treatment plan for headaches.
Submitted by,
Dr. William W. Girouard
Boston, MA
Dr. Amen,
Magnesium is also of help to people who get migraines without aura from MSG, pectin, isolated soy protein, and other things with the neurotransmitter free glutamate in them. So it’s no wonder that magnesium helps people without aura. I could have told you that without a study. Go to msgmyth.com to find the other therapies that work for migraines. Free glutamate is an excitotoxin to neurons throughout the body. It is hidden under 75 different names in almost every processed food, even flour and bread contain it under the name of malted barley flour.
Dr. Amen,
Do you know of anyone in the Chicago area that does anything like you do with the SPECT scans? We are sort of stuck in the midwest.
Thanks,
Diane
Illinois
I do not understand the word aura in first sentence. Can you explain what this is referring to? Thanks.
does this posting of comments work? this is my 3rd try without any posting.
I have been a Migrain sufferer since the early 80’s. A study you mentioned said Magnesium Citrate 600 mg helped. I have Magnesium oxide 400 mg in my Women’s High Potency Multi Vit & Min formula with herbs. Should I buy only 200 mg of Mag citrate to combine with the Mag oxide I am already taking or take Mag Citrate 600 mg in addition. I don’t want to overdose on the Magnesium. Please advise.
dear dr amen, thank u for your work and loving heart. i love your books and find them interesting and helpful. i m a baccalaureate of physical therapy and i recommend my patients your books. also i m suffering from migraines for almost 17 years and they are connected somehow with my menstrual time. hope u can give me some recommendations, since i m writing from croatia in europe, and can not come to your clinic , many many blessings from croatia :*
Sir, I am AD military and still proudly serving this country. I rarely had a severe headache or migraine during hte past 20 years. Now, after returning from Iraq, I experience them everyday. They vary in duration of,(the longest was 3 days),
Intensity/pain level (highest 6, out of 10)
They also strike at ANYTIME of the day.
Can you help?