Migraine: the most effective dietary supplements

Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent headaches that are often unilateral and pulsating. This pain is generally moderate to severe in intensity, worsened by physical activity, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light or sound. Migraines are mainly divided into two categories: with or without aura. Migraines with aura manifest as transient neurological disturbances, such as visual anomalies (scintillating scotomas, phosphenes) or numbness, which precede the headache. Migraine without aura, more common, does not present these preliminary symptoms.

Pathophysiology

Migraine is a disorder in which nerves and blood vessels play a central role. During an attack, certain triggers such as stress, bright light, or certain foods activate specific parts of the brain that are particularly sensitive in people with migraine. This activation causes inflammation and dilation of the blood vessels surrounding the brain. At the same time, an important nerve called the trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation in the head, is also stimulated. It releases sensory neuropeptides that increase inflammation and amplify the pain experienced. These pain signals are then transmitted to the brain, which explains the intense headaches, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sounds. This chain reaction is influenced by a combination of factors, including imbalances in the levels of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which play a key role in controlling blood vessels and pain perception. Thus, migraine results from a complex interaction between nerves, blood vessels, and the brain, making it a condition that is difficult to treat.

Symptoms

The symptoms of migraine include a unilateral, pulsating pain, often located in the fronto-temporal or retro-orbital region. This pain is exacerbated by physical activity. Patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). Migraine may be preceded by an aura, which manifests as visual disturbances, tingling sensations, or speech disturbances.​

Risk factors

Risk factors for migraine include female sex, age, and a genetic predisposition. Environmental factors include stress, lifestyle changes (such as moving house or going on vacation), dehydration, certain foods (such as chocolate and alcohol), hormonal fluctuations, and exposure to bright light or strong odors. Other factors include lack of sleep, changes in daily routine, and excessive caffeine use.

Treatment

Treatment of migraine is based on a multimodal approach including medications to relieve attacks (such as triptans, which act on serotonergic receptors) and preventive therapies to reduce frequent attacks. Triptans, for example, counteract vasodilation and block the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides. In cases of chronic migraine, medications such as topiramate and botulinum toxin type A have shown significant efficacy.

Natural approaches

• Magnesium: Improves neuronal regulation and decreases attack frequency. • Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Reduces the intensity of migraines. • Medicinal plants: Butterbur and feverfew have demonstrated preventive properties.