Magnesium and Concussion Recovery
The Role of Magnesium in Concussion Recovery
Recovering from a concussion requires proper care, time, and the right nutrients to support healing.
Recent research has shown that magnesium supplementation can significantly improve recovery in children with concussions.
A study found that children taking magnesium were 3.33 times more likely to show improvement in their Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) scores just 48 hours after their injury compared to those not taking magnesium. [1]
Why Magnesium Matters After a Concussion
Magnesium is essential for brain health, playing a key role in:
Neuroprotection – Magnesium helps regulate excessive glutamate release after a brain injury, reducing secondary neuronal damage. [2]
Aiding cellular repair – Magnesium is vital for repairing and regenerating neurons, which is essential for concussion recovery.
Lowering inflammation – Concussions trigger brain inflammation, and magnesium helps counteract this response.
Restoring magnesium levels – Brain magnesium levels drop following a concussion and may remain low for several days. Supplementation helps restore these levels, potentially shortening recovery time. [3]
Supporting energy metabolism – Magnesium plays a key role in cellular energy production, which is critical for brain function and healing.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Magnesium
A randomised cohort study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that adolescents taking oral magnesium had significantly better recovery outcomes just two days after their concussion. Since concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and brain fog can persist for weeks, this finding highlights the potential of magnesium as a safe and effective early intervention. [1]
How to Incorporate Magnesium for Concussion Recovery
Magnesium-Rich Foods – Dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dark chocolate are great natural sources of magnesium.
Magnesium Supplements – There are multiple forms of magnesium available, and choosing the right one is crucial for absorption and effectiveness.
Why Baseline Testing is Important
While magnesium can support recovery, baseline testing is key in concussion management. Since symptoms don’t always match brain healing, baseline testing allows healthcare professionals to compare post-injury cognitive function to pre-injury levels, ensuring a safe return to activities.
The Headache Clinic’s Approach
At the Headache Clinic, we provide expert care in concussion care by offering:
Comprehensive baseline testing for athletes and children
Personalised recovery plans including magnesium supplementation guidance
Brainstem desensitisation treatment to aid in long-term concussion recovery
Take Action Today
If you have suffered a concussion, magnesium may help speed up recovery. To ensure safe healing and a proper return to activity, book a consultation at the Headache Clinic today.
References
Migraine
Ashina M. Migraine. N Engl J Med. 2020 Nov 5;383(19):1866-1876. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1915327. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33211930/.
Magnesium
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Nutrition, Trauma, and the Brain; Erdman J, Oria M, Pillsbury L, editors. Magnesium. In: Nutrition and Traumatic Brain Injury: Improving Acute and Subacute Health Outcomes in Military Personnel. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209305/.
Association of Diet and Headache
Razeghi Jahromi S, Ghorbani Z, Martelletti P, Lampl C, Togha M. Association of diet and headache. J Headache Pain.2019 Nov 13;20(1):106. doi:10.1186/s10194-019-1067-1. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31726975/.