Some people use magnesium to treat and prevent migraine symptoms, including a severe headache, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea and vomiting.
Some research has indicated that taking a magnesium supplement could be an effective way to prevent headaches. Other studies have also suggested that the magnesium levels in a person's brain may be low during a migraine.
The American Migraine Foundation suggest taking a 400–500 milligram (mg) supplement of magnesium oxide daily to prevent migraines.
Some researchers think that magnesium's effectiveness as a preventive against migraines increases when a person takes higher doses — over 600 (mg) — for at least 3 to 4 months.
However, taking high doses of magnesium as a supplement may cause adverse effects in some people. (usually diarrhea because the magnesium isn't absorbed)
Taking magnesium may be more effective for people whose migraines include aura, or visual disturbances.