Serum Magnesium Levels During the Ictal and Interictal Phase in Patients of Migraine: A Prospective Observational Study.

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.