



The company also rates the safety of different drugs using a standardized ratings scale, and has received critical support from patient advocacy groups concerned by the large number of patients affected by serious, preventable adverse drug reactions. The website's aim is to monitor the safety of prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and healthcare supplements in over 1,050,000 US patients. Hugo Stephenson, CEO Elisa Cascade, Head Operations Bob Winslow, Head Medical Information Please introduce links to this page from related articles suggestions are available. Research assessment: Magnesium enjoys level B evidence for efficacy in preventing migraine headaches by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Headache Society (AHS).This article is an orphan, as few or no other articles link to it. A number of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials have shown the efficacy of magnesium supplementation in relieving headaches, especially migraine headaches. CGRP is a neurotransmitter and is released by the activated trigeminal somatosensory fibers and results in dilation of intracranial blood vessels and increases nociceptive transmission centrally in the brainstem and spinal cord. Magnesium, especially when administered intravenously, significantly decreases circulating Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) levels. Cortical spreading depression, which is a slowly progressing cortical ischemic event, is believed to be the main event in the start of migraine headaches. This may result in interruption or prevention of cortical spreading depression or CSD. Magnesium is a powerful blocker of NMDA receptors and also decreases nitric oxide levels, which in turn may modulate glutaminergic transmission (glutamate is one of the most important neurochemicals implicated in the pathophysiology of migraines). Magnesium prevents neurogenic inflammation and stabilizes the nerve membranes, reducing their excitability during migraine attacks. The science behind it: Low levels of ionized Magnesium have been demonstrated in the serum, red blood cells, and cerebrospinal fluid of people who suffer from migraines. Magnesium is an essential mineral with significant anti-inflammatory properties. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has level 2 evidence in decreasing the fatigue in patients suffering from Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Research assessment: Coenzyme Q10 enjoys a level C evidence for efficacy in preventing migraine headaches by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Headache Society (AHS). One important function of Coenzyme Q10 is that it improves endothelial functions and it also may lower the levels of CGRP, which has been shown to be one of the most important neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of migraine headaches. Coenzyme Q10 also decreases the levels of tumor-necrosis factor alpha and therefore possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It is the antioxidant properties of substances such as Coenzyme Q10 that protect the cellular structures against harmful substances. Oxidative stress at a cellular level is central to migraine pathophysiology. During normal metabolic processes, reactive oxidative substances are produced which are harmful to human cells. The science behind it:Unfortunately, as we age there is a gradual decrease in the levels of this very important antioxidant. ALA may help with weight loss and it may also decrease blood lipid levels as it increases insulin sensitivity and promotes normal metabolic activity.Ĭoenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance and is naturally produced in our body. ALA levels might represent a potential biomarker for gauging the predisposition to migraines. By restoring the antioxidative capacity at the mitochondrial levels, ALA supplementation can significantly reduce migraine attack, frequency, severity, and duration. ALA is also able to regenerate other antioxidants such as Coenzyme Q10. The increase in oxidative stress causes the activation of TRP channels on nerve receptors resulting in the throbbing pain of migraine headaches. This abnormality is due to an energy deficiency syndrome at the mitochondrial level in the brain. Research into human brain activity reveals that migraine is a metabolic abnormality of the brain with increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity. It is very important to point out that ALA levels are very low in 90% of individuals suffering from higher frequency of migraine headache attacks. The science behind it: Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an 8-carbon sulfur-containing compound and is a powerful antioxidant and coenzyme in energy metabolism. Alpha-lipoic acid is naturally produced in our bodies and is a powerful antioxidant
