and begin noticing what your personal headache trig-
gers are. Once you have that information you can begin
controlling those triggers you do have control over (e.g.
like staying well-hydrated with at least 1.5-2 Liters of
non-caffeinated fluid daily, and not going long periods
without eating).
Sarah Rahal, MD
New York, NY
MAGNESIUM AND HEADACHES
I’m 71 years old and I’ve had migraine with aura
for years. Recently, I was told that my migraines
may be related to a lack of magnesium. Could using
magnesium help? – Ruby
to have a blood test or your doctor does not want to
order RBC magnesium level, you could just try taking
400 mg of magnesium daily. There are different types
of magnesium and one of the better absorbed ones
is magnesium glycinate. Some people don’t absorb
magnesium well and need more than 400 mg a day
or even require monthly infusions. The only side
effect that sometimes occurs with oral magnesium is
stomach upset or diarrhea and that is why it should be
taken with food. The only patients who are at risk of
getting too much magnesium, which can be dangerous,
are those with serious kidney problems. It is best to
check with your doctor before you start taking any
supplements.
Alexander Mauskop, MD
New York, NY
Magnesium deficiency is very common in patients
with migraines. Additional symptoms of magnesium
deficiency include feeling cold or having cold hands
and feet, leg muscle cramps, palpitations, and other.
Ideally, have your doctor check your red blood cell
(RBC) magnesium level and if it is low or at the low
end of normal, you could greatly benefit from taking
a supplement. RBC magnesium test is available at all
laboratories and is much more accurate than the more
popular serum magnesium test. If you do not want
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HeadW ise ®
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Volume 7, Issue 1 • 2018