Some studies have shown that a diet inadequate in magnesium caused changes in brain waves–electrical activity in the brain–when women were at rest. Other researchers have found in both human and animal studies that magnesium deficiency results in sleep disturbances, such as agitated sleep and frequent periods of awakenings. This has been related to changes in electrical activity in the brain. It looks like magnesium is important for a good night sleep.

Magnesium (200 – 600 mg per day) — People with migraines often have lower levels of magnesium than people who do not have migraines, and several studies suggest that magnesium may reduce the frequency of migraine attacks in people with low levels of magnesium. In one study, people who took magnesium reduce the frequency of attacks by 41.6%, compared to 15.8% in those who took placebo.

Some studies also suggest that magnesium may be helpful for women whose migraines are triggered by their periods. Side effects from magnesium can include lower blood pressure and diarrhea. Magnesium can interact with medications including heart medications, diuretics or water pills, some antibiotics, and muscle relaxers.

Researchers aren’t sure what causes a migraine, although they know it involves changes in the blood flow in the brain. At first, blood vessels narrow or constrict, reducing blood flow and leading to visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, or tingling sensation in one area of the body, or other similar symptoms. Later, the blood vessels dilate or enlarge, leading to increased blood flow and a severe headache.

There also seems to be a genetic link to migraine headaches. More than half of migraine patients have an affected family member. Migraine triggers can include the following:

  • Alcohol, especially beer and red wine
  • Certain foods, such as aged cheeses, chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, some fruits (like avocado, banana, and citrus), foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG), onions, dairy products, meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats) fermented or pickled foods
  • Skipping meals
  • Crying
  • Fluctuations in hormones — for example, during pregnancy, before and during your period, and menopause
  • Certain odors, such as perfume or smoke
  • Bright lights
  • Loud noises
  • Stress, physical or emotional — often, the headache happens when a person is relaxing after a particularly stressful time
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Caffeine
  • Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
  • Some medications
  • Heat, high humidity, and high altitude

Risk Factors:

  • Gender — women are nearly 3 times more likely to get migraines than men
  • Having other family members with migraine headaches
  • Being under age 40; migraines tend to get better as you age
  • Taking birth control pills, if your migraines are affected by changes in estrogen levels
  • Exposure and sensitivity to any of the potential triggers listed above

http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=10874

http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/migraines.printerview.all.html