Backed by Science
If you live with migraines, you know they’re not “just headaches.” They can be completely consuming—throbbing pain, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, even visual changes that make it hard to function, let alone enjoy life.
As naturopathic doctors, we see how deeply migraines can impact people—not only physically but emotionally and energetically too. It’s something that can really take the wind out of us and impose on our quality of life lived.
That’s why we are always looking for effective and natural evidence-based ways to help migraine sufferers trust their tools to provide relief. One option that’s been gaining attention, and for good reason, is IV magnesium therapy.
A 2025 review published in Nutrients looked closely at the use of IV magnesium for migraine relief, and the findings are both exciting and hopeful.
What the Research Says About IV Magnesium for Migraines
The review analyzed 11 clinical trials where IV magnesium was given to adults during active migraine attacks. Here’s what stood out:
- 8 of the 11 studies showed significant pain relief, often within just 15 to 45 minutes of the infusion.
- It was especially effective in people who experienced aura or who had low magnesium levels.
- Most treatments used 1 to 2 grams of magnesium sulfate, delivered directly into the bloodstream.
- Side effects were minimal—typically mild flushing or temporary nausea.
In other words: IV magnesium works quickly, is well tolerated, and offers meaningful relief—especially when migraines hit hard.
How It Compares to Standard Migraine Medications
One of the most compelling parts of the review is how IV magnesium stacked up against common emergency department medications:
- Magnesium vs. Metoclopramide + Dexamethasone:
In a double-blind study, IV magnesium worked just as well as this drug combo and had a similar side effect profile. - Magnesium vs. Prochlorperazine:
Both groups experienced similar pain relief at 30 minutes, but the magnesium group had fewer side effects and required less follow-up medication. - Magnesium vs. Metamizole (a pain reliever):
In patients with migraines with aura, magnesium actually provided faster pain relief.
This kind of research reinforces what we see clinically: when delivered at the right time and in the right dose, IV magnesium can be just as effective—if not more so—than conventional medications.
Why Magnesium Helps with Migraines
Magnesium is essential for healthy nerve and muscle function, stable blood vessels, and balanced brain chemistry. When a migraine hits, magnesium levels in the body often drop—triggering a cascade of events:
- Overactive nerve firing
- Constricted or spasming blood vessels in the brain
- Changes in serotonin and other neurotransmitters that increase pain sensitivity
By delivering magnesium intravenously, we can help calm the nervous system, relax the blood vessels, and soothe inflammation—breaking the migraine cycle more effectively.
Why Choose IV Instead of Oral Magnesium?
While oral magnesium supplements have their place in migraine prevention, they’re not always helpful during an acute attack. Here’s why:
- Digestive absorption slows down during a migraine
- Higher doses taken orally can cause diarrhea or stomach upset
- IV magnesium skips the digestive system and enters the bloodstream immediately—offering faster, more reliable relief
It’s an especially valuable tool when someone is in the midst of a migraine and needs quick support.
Is IV Magnesium Right for You?
IV magnesium may be a good fit if:
- You experience frequent or severe migraines
- You have migraines with aura
- You’ve had limited success with medications or want a more natural approach
- You suspect (or know) you may be low in magnesium
- You’re looking for a treatment that supports your whole-body health, not just symptom suppression
In our clinic, we use IV magnesium as part of a broader, personalized migraine care plan that may include nutrition, stress resilience, hormone balancing, and other functional strategies.
Migraines are complex, and no single solution works for everyone. But IV magnesium is a promising, safe, and science-backed therapy that can make a real difference—especially when guided by a practitioner who understands your unique biochemistry and health history.
If you’re feeling stuck with your current migraine care—or simply curious about a more integrative approach—we’d be happy to chat about whether IV magnesium could be part of your path forward.
Need more information about IV therapy? Give us a call and we can set up a discovery call with one of our Naturopathic Doctors to explain this unique treatment option to you. Book an appointment here for IV therapy or an Initial intake assessment.
Dominguez, Ligia J et al. “Magnesium and Migraine.” Nutrients vol. 17,4 725. 18 Feb. 2025, doi:10.3390/nu17040725
PMID: 40005053
