Decreased serum magnesium levels patients with migraine: a case control study

Abstract

Objective: Migraine is a common neurological syndrome that affects 15% of the population. The pathogenesis of migraines is not fully understood. In the nervous system; magnesium plays critical roles such as nerve conduction, neuromuscular coordination and protection against excitotoxicity. Method: In this retrospective study, patients were diagnosed with migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 beta criteria were included. Patients were divided into three groups as migraine with aura, migraine without aura and chronic migraine. Results: A total of 168 participant, 71 patients and 97 controls, were included in the study. Serum Mg values were measured as 1.98 mg/dl in the patient group and 2.04 mg/dl in the control group and were found to be significantly lower in the patient group (p=0.021). No significant difference was found in terms of mean serum Mg values in migraine subgroups. Conclusion: We found that serum Mg levels are low in migraine patients and we think that this vital cation may be one of the factors playing a role in the pathogenesis of migraine. Evaluation of serum Mg level in migraine patients may help in predicting migraine attacks and symptoms, as well as in appropriate therapeutic planning for patients.

Keywords

• Migraine
• magnesium
• headache
• measurement
• level
• pathogenesis

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