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Serum ionized magnesium in post-traumatic headaches
J C Marcus1, B T Altura, B M Altura
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, State University of New York-Health Sciences Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Insights
Children with post-traumatic headaches often have low serum ionized magnesium (IMg(2+)) levels and high ionized calcium/ionized magnesium (ICa(2+)/IMg(2+)) ratios. Total magnesium levels remained normal in these pediatric headache patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Headaches are a common complaint in children.
- Specific biochemical markers may be associated with certain headache types, including post-traumatic headaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum ionized magnesium (IMg(2+)), total magnesium, and ionized calcium/ionized magnesium (ICa(2+)/IMg(2+)) ratios in children experiencing headaches.
- To identify potential biochemical differences in pediatric patients with post-traumatic headaches.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed blood samples from 135 children with headaches, classified per International Headache Society criteria.
- Measured serum ionized magnesium (IMg(2+)), total magnesium, ionized calcium (ICa(2+)), and pH.
- Calculated the ICa(2+)/IMg(2+) ratio.
Main Results:
- Six out of nine children diagnosed with post-traumatic headaches exhibited significantly lowered serum IMg(2+) levels (P <.05).
- These children also presented with high ICa(2+)/IMg(2+) ratios.
- Serum total magnesium levels were within the normal range for all participants.
Conclusions:
- Abnormalities in serum IMg(2+) concentrations and ICa(2+)/IMg(2+) ratios are associated with pediatric post-traumatic headaches.
- Ionized magnesium, not total magnesium, may serve as a relevant biomarker in this patient group.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to determine the values of serum ionized magnesium, total magnesium, and ionized calcium/ionized magnesium ratios in children with headaches. One hundred thirty-five children with primary complaints of headaches were classified according to the criteria of the International Headache Society. Blood samples were obtained and tested for ionized magnesium (IMg(2+)), total magnesium, ionized calcium (ICa(2+)), and pH. The ICa(2+)/IMg(2+) ratio was calculated. Nine children were given a diagnosis of post-traumatic headache. Six of them had statistically significant (P <.05) lowered IMg(2+) levels and high ICa(2+)/IMg(2+) ratios. Abnormalities in serum IMg(2+) concentrations and ICa(2+)/IMg(2+) ratios were found in children with post-traumatic headaches, but total magnesium levels were normal.