A Functional Medicine Approach to Treating Chronic Migraines

Migraine headache is one of the leading causes of disability for those under 50 years of age. It’s estimated that 2% of the global population suffer chronically from this debilitating condition, the most common type of daily headache seen by headache specialists.

While the exact causes of migraine are unclear and vary among individuals, some studies have linked dysfunction of mitochondrial metabolism with migraine patients. One study found that the prevalence of headache, including migraine, was higher in patients who had a mitochondrial disease—when the mitochondria  fails to produce enough energy for the body to function properly—as compared to the general population.

One review studied to what extent oxidative stress may be a factor in the development of migraine. The review noted that some of the common migraine triggers, such as stress, dietary nitrates, and dehydration, are capable of generating oxidative stress, which may include mitochondrial dysfunction.

In addition, a recent comprehensive review found an increased frequency of gastrointestinal disorders in patients with migraine compared to the general population. The bacteria H. pylori, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease all occurred at a higher rate in migraine sufferers versus the control group, leading researchers to suggest that inflammation in the GI tract and intestinal permeability may be influences in migraine progression.

The Institute for Functional Medicine advises clinicians to consider nutritional interventions to address chronic migraines, particularly including in the diet nutrients that are shown to support mitochondrial function, such as an oil-based version of the supplement coenzyme Q10, as well as magnesium, riboflavin, and the medicinal plant feverfew. The ketogenic diet may also have relevance in migraine prevention, according to observational case studies.

Supporting mitochondrial function, avoiding potential triggers, and engaging patients in treatment are all strategies that may improve long-term outcomes for chronic migraine patients.