Magnesium is one of the most commonly recommended “nutraceuticals” for migraine prevention because some studies have linked migraine with lower magnesium levels and increased neuronal excitability. [1] In practice, it is also used by people who experience dizziness/vertigo with migraine, most often in the context of vestibular migraine, although the evidence there is considerably more limited than for classic migraine. [2], [3]
Magnesium is involved in regulating nerve conduction and vascular tone, and deficiency may increase susceptibility to neuroinflammation and nervous system “hypersensitivity.” [1] Mechanistically, magnesium is often discussed in relation to processes involved in migraine development (for example, cortical spreading depression), but this alone does not guarantee a strong clinical effect. [1]
A systematic review and meta-analysis of vitamins and minerals for migraine prevention, including magnesium, found that magnesium in adults was statistically associated with fewer migraine days, but with substantial heterogeneity among studies in dose, formulation, and design. [4] In practice, this means improvement is possible, but not in everyone and not always to a large degree. [4]
NCCIH lists magnesium as a possible option for migraine prevention while noting that the evidence is limited and that studies often use doses of up to about 600 mg per day. This exceeds the usual UL for supplements and therefore requires caution and supervision. The most common adverse effect is diarrhea. [2], [5]
Who may benefit the most? Magnesium makes the most sense in people with low dietary magnesium intake or risk factors for deficiency, such as certain gastrointestinal problems or restrictive diets. [1] In people without deficiency, the effect may be modest or absent. [1], [4]
In acute settings, intravenous magnesium sulfate may be used in healthcare facilities, while oral magnesium is more commonly used for prevention. [2] This is not a “home treatment” for a severe attack, but an option considered in a clinical setting, particularly when there are specific reasons to do so, such as suspected deficiency. [2]
“Dizziness” is a broad symptom that can originate from the inner ear (BPPV, neuritis), blood pressure, anxiety, medications, neurological conditions, and other causes. [3] Magnesium is therefore not a universal supplement for dizziness. [3]
Magnesium is discussed most often in the context of vestibular migraine, in which attacks of vertigo/dizziness predominate, often with - but not always with - headache. [3] A review of vestibular migraine treatment emphasizes that evidence for many approaches is limited and that treatment often relies on general migraine-management principles with individualization. [3]
More recent real-world data also exist. One observational, questionnaire-based study examined a regimen that included lifestyle changes and an OTC combination containing magnesium along with riboflavin, CoQ10, and other components, and found a preliminary reduction in the frequency and severity of vestibular migraine symptoms. [6] However, studies of this type cannot show that magnesium itself was the key factor, because it was combined with other supplements and advice, and they do not have the evidentiary strength of randomized controlled trials. [6]
Bottom line for dizziness: magnesium may be a reasonable part of a strategy when dizziness is part of the migraine spectrum, but it is not a proven solution for “all dizziness,” and identifying the underlying cause remains important. [3], [6]
Studies and reviews of migraine prevention commonly discuss doses of up to about 600 mg of elemental magnesium per day, with tolerance monitoring and medical supervision when the supplemental UL is exceeded. Preventive effects are assessed over several weeks rather than after a single dose. [2], [5]
If diarrhea or cramping occurs, the dose should be reduced or supplementation stopped while tolerance is reassessed. If there is no improvement after several months of consistent use, the approach should be reconsidered with a healthcare professional. [4], [5]
NIH ODS states that the upper limit (UL) for magnesium from supplements and medications in adults is 350 mg/day, primarily because of gastrointestinal adverse effects, while magnesium from food is not included in this limit. [1] Higher doses are sometimes used in migraine practice, but this increases the risk of diarrhea and makes individual assessment and tolerance especially important. [2], [5], [1] People with kidney failure should not take magnesium without medical supervision because of the risk of accumulation. [1]
[1] NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. 2026.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
[2] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Headaches: What You Need To Know. Accessed 2026.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/headaches-what-you-need-to-know
[3] Smyth D, et al. Vestibular migraine treatment: a comprehensive practical review. 2022.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9679161/
[4] Domitrz I, et al. Magnesium and Migraine. 2025.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11858643/
[5] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Headaches and Complementary Health Approaches: What the Science Says. Accessed 2026.
[6] Hannigan IP, et al. Effects of nonprescription therapies on vestibular migraine: a questionnaire-based observational study. 2024.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.16314
Health Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take medication.
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