oxide formulation , others the magnesium glycinate . There are individual differences in the risk of diarrhea between these . The dose required can range from 200 mg to 1000 mg .
— Dr . Frederick Freitag , MD , Baylor Health Care System , Dallas
NIGHT VISION
Two nights ago at 3 a . m ., I awoke with what looked like a black set of lines in a spider web configuration on a dark field in front of my eyes . I saw it with my eyes both open and closed , but it was hard to make out . As far as I know , I have never had this happen before . The vision did not move , so it was unlike my scintillating scotoma . However , half an hour later , a headache began . I often awaken with headaches but never noticed scotomas in the night , so I am not sure this was one . What do you think ? — Jane A . While possibly related to migraine , visual disturbances like you describe could be a result of transient ischemic events , also known as mini strokes . These attacks trigger symptoms similar to stroke , but they only last a few minutes . Although they cause no permanent damage , they can be a warning of other problems . You should consult your physician as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment .
— Dr . Frederick Freitag , MD , Baylor Health Care System , Dallas
TERRIBLE TWO
I have been suffering from chronic migraines and headaches since 2003 . I also suffer from fibromyalgia throughout most of my body . I have been to several doctors and neurologists over the years and tried several medications , but nothing works to alleviate the pain .
I have also been to the emergency room for the migraines . Most recently , I had a migraine for four days and finally had to call 911 . They gave me an IV cocktail to rid me of the nausea and pain . When that did not work , they gave me a drug that eased the pain in my head enough to send me home . I managed to sleep through the night but still had a throbbing in my head the next day .
My most recent neurologist said he can do nothing more to help me because he does not think they are true migraines and he does not treat fibromyalgia pain sufferers . I have a really bad case of fibromyalgia , which started in September 2003 . Before that , I never had a migraine . My first visit to the ER with a migraine was in February 2004 , and it lasted a total of nine days .
I have tried to tell the doctors the pain comes from my upper back , neck and shoulders , which , in turn , triggers the migraines and chronic headaches . Some last for days , and even the Imitrex does not work . I am on Topamax ( 200 mg per day ) and Verapamil ( 180 mg per day ). If I do wake up in the
The clinical trials that have been conducted on taking magnesium to prevent migraine suggest that it might have some benefit .
www . headwisemag . org | National Headache Foundation 11