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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Glucosamine for migraine prophylaxis?
1Brampton Pain Clinic, Bramalea, Ontario, Canada.
Medical Hypotheses
|September 14, 2000
Summary
Glucosamine supplements may reduce migraine frequency and intensity in patients unresponsive to other treatments. This study suggests glucosamine may help prevent neurogenic inflammation associated with vascular headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Migraine headaches are often refractory to conventional treatments.
- Mast cells are implicated in the neurogenic inflammation of vascular headaches.
- Heparin, produced by mast cells, has anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of oral glucosamine in patients with refractory migraine or migraine-like vascular headaches.
- To explore the potential mechanism of action involving mast cell heparin synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with refractory migraine received daily oral glucosamine.
- Headache frequency and intensity were monitored.
- Potential dose-dependency of the effect was observed.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in headache frequency and/or intensity was observed after a 4-6 week lag period.
- The therapeutic benefit of glucosamine appeared to be dose-dependent in some patients.
- No mention of adverse effects or specific dosages used.
Conclusions:
- Oral glucosamine shows promise as a preventive therapy for migraine and related vascular headaches.
- Glucosamine may exert its effects by enhancing mast cell heparin synthesis, thereby reducing neurogenic inflammation.
- A controlled study of glucosamine for migraine prophylaxis is warranted.
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