Acta Neurologica Indonesia
Vol. 3 No. 02 (2025): Acta Neurologica Indonesia

DUAL ROLE OF MAGNESIUM IN MIGRAINE: EFFICACY & SAFETY IN TREATMENT AND PREVENTION—A META-ANALYSIS

Isadora, Eugenia (Unknown)
Kusuma, Hendrawan Chandra (Unknown)
Prathama, Hans Aditya (Unknown)
Ann, Clara (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Magnesium deficiency has been associated with migraines, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) and oral magnesium for the treatment and prevention of migraines in adults. Material and methods: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted across multiple databases for randomized controlled trials (RCT) involving adult migraine patients treated with IV magnesium (1-2g) for acute attacks or oral magnesium (≥8 weeks) for prevention. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, and meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager 5.4. Result: Twelve trials were included. IV magnesium showed significant benefits for acute migraines, including better headache response (p = 0.02), reduced pain intensity (p = 0.03), and less rescue medication use (p = 0.02). Oral magnesium was as effective as sodium valproate for prevention but showed limited benefits over placebo for attack frequency (p = 0.09). Gastrointestinal side effects were more common with oral magnesium (p = 0.01). Discussion: Magnesium modulates methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, preventing excessive calcium influx and cortical spreading depression, which are key in migraine pathophysiology. IV magnesium is effective for acute treatment with a favorable safety profile. Oral magnesium shows potential for migraine prevention, with efficacy similar to sodium valproate, though gastrointestinal side effects limit its use. Conclusion: IV magnesium should be considered for acute attacks, while oral magnesium may be an alternative for prophylaxis in patients intolerant to first-line treatments.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

journal

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience Public Health

Description

Acta Neurologica Indonesia is the official publication of the Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia under Directorate of Administration, Data, and Product Management of Research and Innovation Universitas Indonesia. This journal is published in trimonthly cycle with ...