Serum Magnesium Levels During the Ictal and Interictal Phase in Patients of Migraine: A Prospective Observational
Rahul Mahajan1, Kuljeet Singh Anand1, Rakesh Kumar Mahajan2
1Department of Neurology, ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Background:
Migraine is one of the primary headaches having a global prevalence of 15%. It is characterized by neurovascular dysfunction and recurrent episodes of headache. The hyperexcitability of the cerebral cortex has been recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of migraine, and magnesium (Mg) being a regulator of neuronal excitability is thought to participate in migraine pathogenesis.
Objectives:
To determine the serum levels of Mg in patients of migraine during the attack and in between attacks as compared to healthy controls.
Methods:
A total of 50 patients of migraine who fulfilled inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study along with the same number of healthy controls. International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd Edition, 2013 (ICHD-III) criteria was used for the diagnosis of migraine.
Results:
The mean serum Mg in migraine cases during the interictal phase was lower than healthy controls (1.849 ± 0.135 vs 2.090 ± 0.205, P < 0.001), which was statistically significant. It was also found that mean serum Mg during attacks was significantly lower than in between attacks (1.822 ± 0.149 vs 1.849 ± 0.135, P = 0.003). Serum Mg levels in migraine cases showed an inverse linear relationship with the frequency of attacks.
Conclusion:
Relatively low serum Mg in migraine cases when compared with healthy controls and inverse relation of serum Mg levels with the frequency of migraine attacks suggests that Mg is significantly involved in mechanisms underlying migraine pathogenesis, which can be explored as a therapeutic option.
Insights
Low serum magnesium levels are linked to migraine. This study found lower magnesium in migraine patients compared to controls, with levels dropping further during attacks and correlating inversely with attack frequency, suggesting magnesium
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Migraine is a primary headache disorder affecting 15% globally, characterized by neurovascular dysfunction.
- Cerebral cortex hyperexcitability is implicated in migraine pathogenesis.
- Magnesium (Mg) regulates neuronal excitability and may play a role in migraine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum magnesium levels in migraine patients (during attacks and interictally) with healthy controls.
- To investigate the relationship between serum magnesium levels and migraine attack frequency.
Main Methods:
- 50 migraine patients and 50 healthy controls were enrolled.
- Migraine diagnosis followed International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd Edition (ICHD-III) criteria.
- Serum magnesium levels were measured during and between migraine attacks.
Main Results:
- Migraine patients had significantly lower mean serum Mg than controls during the interictal phase (1.849 ± 0.135 vs 2.090 ± 0.205, P < 0.001).
- Serum Mg was significantly lower during attacks compared to between attacks (1.822 ± 0.149 vs 1.849 ± 0.135, P = 0.003).
- A significant inverse linear relationship was observed between serum Mg levels and migraine attack frequency.
Conclusions:
- Migraine patients exhibit lower serum magnesium levels compared to healthy individuals.
- The inverse relationship between serum magnesium and attack frequency suggests its involvement in migraine pathogenesis.
- Magnesium may represent a potential therapeutic target for migraine management.
