Treatment
IV magnesium infusion for migraine and headache
An IV magnesium infusion delivers magnesium sulfate directly into a vein over a short session. Magnesium helps calm overexcited nerve cells, and several studies show IV magnesium can relieve an acute migraine, especially migraine with aura. Side effects are usually mild, such as flushing or warmth, and it must be used carefully in people with kidney problems.
What is an IV magnesium infusion?
Magnesium is a mineral the nervous system needs. It helps prevent nerve cells from becoming overexcited by blocking a channel involved in pain signaling (the NMDA receptor). Low magnesium levels have been linked to a higher chance of migraine.
In an infusion, magnesium sulfate is given through a small IV line in a vein, so it reaches the bloodstream directly.
Which conditions does it treat?
IV magnesium is used mainly for migraine and other headaches, often as an add-on to other treatments or when standard medicines are not suitable.
What happens during a session?
- Your clinician reviews your health history, kidney function and medicines.
- A small IV line is placed in a vein in your arm.
- The magnesium solution drips in slowly while you rest and are monitored.
- The IV is removed and you can usually go home afterward.
How long does the effect last?
In studies of acute migraine, relief often began within minutes to a couple of hours after the infusion. How long relief lasts, and whether repeat infusions help, depends on the person. Further large studies are still needed to compare IV magnesium with other migraine treatments.
What are the risks and side effects?
Side effects are usually mild. The most common is flushing or a feeling of warmth during or after the infusion; some people feel a burning sensation at the IV site. IV magnesium is not used in people with heart block or damage to the heart muscle, and it must be used cautiously in people with kidney failure.
What is recovery like?
Most people return to their usual activities after the session. Call our office if you feel unwell after an infusion.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
01Does IV magnesium work for every migraine?
No. Most studies of IV magnesium during a migraine attack show benefit, but not all do, and results vary from person to person. People with migraine with aura may respond better.
02Who should not have IV magnesium?
IV magnesium is not used in people with heart block or damage to the heart muscle, and it must be used with caution in people with kidney failure. Tell your clinician about all your conditions and medicines before an infusion.
Who performs iv magnesium infusion at INPM
Referral required
Start with a referral from your doctor
New patients are seen by referral. Your primary care physician can fax the referral to (707) 980-6692 or send it through EPIC, and our office will call you to schedule.
- Referral fax (707) 980-6692
- EPIC referral
- We call you to schedule