Migraine Headaches and Magnesium?

Spouse and 14 year old are susceptible to migraines. Really don't want to go prescription route. Have recently read that magnesium can help prevent migraines. Multi Vitamin has 100 mg Magnesium (doseage 1 pill), Calcium Citrate + with Vit. D claims to have Magnesium Stearate (doseage 2 pills), Vitamin C claims to have Magnesium Stearate (doseage 1 pill) . Read that Magnesium Stearate is supposed to be a synthetic salt manufacturers use in making vitamins. They like to eat some of the foods that contain magnesium but not every day. Maybe they're not taking enough Magnesium. Should they also take a Magnesium Supplement as well? If so how many more mg should they take? Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance.

http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr...

i know it sounds too simple but:
hydration
not getting hot (especially at night)
and regular exercise

are worth trying.

This depends upon the type of migraines and the triggers associated with it. They can be triggered by variety of things, some as simple as food or a change in the weather. I get them when fronts roll in. I'm a friggin human barometer.

As a migraine sufferer I enthusiastically endorse the use of Imitrex which has given me back my life. Having said that, whenever you are talking about taking anything, including magnesium, you really have to check with your doctor. Just because it's over the counter does not mean you can be doing your body harm.

Its important to back how your spouse and child feel about prescriptions. Not being the one in pain may make it easier said then done to not take the medical route.

Magnesium deficiency is a reason for SOME migraine patients. If a migraine is bad enough to requre an ER visit, a doctor may try IV magnesium. If it works, tada, you know that was your problem. You can also try about 2 months of daily magnesium pills. Often, magnesium is not the culprit (Though it would be VERY nice if it were!)

There are dozens of herbal remidies, even more medical preventatives and a good handful of medical abortives. For myself being painfree and leading a productive fullfilling life is very important and I choose not to be governed by my migraines or their pain. I have tried 4 days of 3x daily magnesium IV therapy which did not work. I now take more western medicine. Triptans are a godsend, created in the early 90's and turned around the life of many migraine sufferers. I urge you to look into these medications for the relief of your family.