How much do you know about hypercalcium and migraine risk?
Hypercalcemia, the prevalence of extreme levels of circulating serum calcium has a range of underlying causes in the general population, though it is difficult to estimate given its frequency, observed 0.5-1% of patients who visit the ER. In study findings published in Human Molecular Genetics, “we observed co-heritability between serum calcium and migraine headache, indicating that these traits have a genetic basis in common.” The serine allele is associated with elevated serum calcium levels and also with increased susceptibility to migraine. The elevation of serum calcium levels can increase odds of headache by 1.8 fold. Calcium channel blockers are often used as a migraine prophylactic. "However, the mechanism of action of these drugs is thought to target the vascular etiology of migraine, e.g. lower cerebral vasoconstriction by reducing Ca2+ cellular influx,” and “CCBs may not ultimately impact levels of serum calcium, except in extreme cases, as changes in serum calcium levels are probably compensated by changes in levels of parathyroid hormone to maintain homeostasis.”"
1. True or False. Hypercalcaemia has been observed in approximately 0.5% to 1% of patients who visit emergency departments.
2. True or False. In study findings, co-heritability between serum calcium and migraine headache has been observed.
3. The serine allele is associated with increased __________.
A. Serum calcium levels B. Susceptibility to migraine headache C. A and B D. None of the above
4. In study findings, a genetic elevation of serum calcium by 1 mg/dl increase was associated with an approximately _____-fold increase in risk of migraine headache.
A. 1.8 B. 2.9 C. 4.2
5. True or False. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) typically prevent migraine by reducing levels of serum calcium.
How'd you do? Answer Key below.
For migraines we offer a variety of I.V. Nutrient Therapies as a stand alone treatment and in complimentary conjunction to our Ozone Therapies
We can individualize your treatment further by adding in specific injectable homeopathics. Tell us how you are feeling and we can address your symptoms. Are your headaches affected by weather changes, tension in your neck, low blood sugar, food allergies or sensitivities, constipation or something else? Do you have any preliminary symptoms that tell you you're about to have a migraine headache?
We can help you re-establish order in your biochemistry to reduce the frequency of headaches. We offer full testing in CT. to find the root cause of your headache.
Yin P, Anttila V, Siewert KM, Palotie A, Davey Smith G, Voight BF. Serum calcium and risk of migraine: a Mendelian randomization study. Hum Mol Genet. 2017;26(4):820-828.
Isadora Guggenheim, ND, FNP, RN, MS, CNS, LMT, owner of Second Nature Naturopathic Care, LLC
For all appointments: Tel: 845 358-8385 Fax: 845 358-2963
drguggenheim@msn.com
