Does Low Magnesium Cause Trigeminal Neuralgia?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain disorder with several known causes, but the connection to dietary factors is a growing area of interest. This article explores the relationship between magnesium levels and nerve health to determine if low magnesium causes trigeminal neuralgia or influences its symptoms.

Quick Summary

The relationship between low magnesium and trigeminal neuralgia is complex; while not a direct cause, magnesium deficiency can exacerbate neuropathic pain symptoms by increasing nerve excitability and lowering pain thresholds. Its role as an NMDA receptor antagonist suggests it can modulate pain signals, making adequate intake important for nerve health and potentially aiding symptom management.

Key Points

• Indirect Correlation: Low magnesium is not a direct cause of trigeminal neuralgia, but it can worsen existing symptoms by increasing nerve excitability and lowering the pain threshold.

• Pain Modulation: Magnesium helps modulate neuropathic pain by acting as a voltage-gated antagonist at NMDA receptors, which are central to pain signal transduction.

• Complementary Therapy: Due to its effect on nerve function, magnesium supplementation can serve as a valuable adjunct to standard medical treatments for managing TN symptoms.

• Diet and Supplements: Adequate magnesium intake is crucial for nerve health and can be achieved through magnesium-rich foods and supplements, with forms like glycinate offering high bioavailability for nerve-related issues.

• Professional Guidance is Essential: Trigeminal neuralgia is a serious neurological condition. Any decision to use magnesium for symptom management should be discussed with a healthcare provider and should not replace prescribed medications.

Understanding the Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe facial pain disorder caused by a disruption of the trigeminal nerve's function. This disruption can occur for several reasons, including pressure on the nerve from a blood vessel, which is a very common cause. Other established causes include tumors pressing on the nerve, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions that damage the nerve's protective myelin sheath. While these are the primary known causes, the role of nutritional deficiencies, such as low magnesium, is still under investigation but is considered a contributing factor to overall nerve health.

The Role of Magnesium in Nerve Function

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions throughout the body, including maintaining proper nerve and muscle function. It plays a crucial role in regulating nerve signal transmission and preventing nerve cells from becoming overexcited.

How Magnesium Influences Neuropathic Pain

Magnesium acts as a natural antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. The NMDA receptor is a type of ion channel in nerve cells that, when overactivated, plays a significant role in central sensitization—a process where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive to pain. By blocking this receptor, magnesium helps prevent the escalation of pain signals, effectively raising the body's pain threshold.

Magnesium's Impact on the Nervous System

• Neurotransmitter Balance: Magnesium is crucial for the production and regulation of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between nerve cells.
• Reduced Inflammation: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation within the nervous system, which may be a contributing factor to certain types of nerve pain.
• Support for Myelin Sheath: It also helps in the production of the myelin sheath, the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers. Damage to this sheath is a known cause of TN, and while magnesium isn't a cure, adequate levels support its integrity.

Low Magnesium and Its Potential Connection to TN Symptoms

While low magnesium is not identified as a direct, independent cause of trigeminal neuralgia, a deficiency can certainly worsen its symptoms. A state of hypomagnesemia (low serum magnesium) can lead to increased nerve sensitivity and excitability, potentially intensifying the pain attacks characteristic of TN. Magnesium deficiency is widespread, particularly among the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, making it a potentially overlooked factor in pain management.

Clinical studies have shown that magnesium administration, particularly via intravenous routes, can help modulate neuropathic pain by blocking the NMDA receptor. In one reported case series, intravenous magnesium was used in combination with lidocaine to treat resistant TN, indicating its potential as an adjunct therapy for controlling intractable neuropathic pain.

Exploring Treatment and Supplementation Options

For individuals with TN or other forms of neuropathic pain, ensuring adequate magnesium intake is a prudent measure, though it is not a substitute for standard medical treatment prescribed by a neurologist. Management strategies often combine dietary and supplemental approaches.

Magnesium Sources for Nerve Health

• Dietary Sources: Incorporating magnesium-rich foods can help maintain healthy levels. Excellent sources include dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), legumes (black beans, lentils), nuts and seeds (almonds, flaxseeds), avocados, and dark chocolate.
• Oral Supplements: Various forms of oral magnesium supplements are available. Magnesium glycinate is often recommended for its high bioavailability and calming properties, making it suitable for nerve-related pain. Magnesium citrate is another absorbable option.
• Topical Applications: Magnesium oil or sprays, which contain magnesium chloride, can be applied topically to the skin for absorption, and some individuals report relief from muscle soreness and localized nerve pain.

Comparison of Magnesium Supplement Forms for Nerve Health

Magnesium Form	Key Features	Bioavailability	Best For	Considerations
Magnesium Glycinate	Highly absorbable, calming effect due to glycine	High	Nerve pain, sleep support, anxiety	Well-tolerated, less likely to cause digestive issues
Magnesium Citrate	Good absorption, can have a laxative effect	Moderate to high	Mild constipation, general deficiency	May cause diarrhea in higher doses
Magnesium Threonate	Can cross the blood-brain barrier	High	Cognitive function, potential nerve pain benefit	May be more expensive, research is emerging
Magnesium Oxide	Inexpensive, commonly available, often in multivitamins	Low	Not ideal for nerve pain due to poor absorption	Primarily used as a laxative, high doses can cause GI upset
Magnesium Chloride	Often used in topical applications (oils, sprays)	Varied (topical)	Localized nerve or muscle pain relief	Absorption through skin varies by individual

Conclusion

While a direct causal link between low magnesium and trigeminal neuralgia is not established, the research shows that magnesium plays a critical role in nerve function and pain modulation. A deficiency can contribute to nerve overexcitability and central sensitization, potentially worsening TN symptoms. Magnesium's ability to act as an NMDA receptor antagonist suggests a mechanistic rationale for its use in managing neuropathic pain. Ensuring sufficient magnesium intake, through diet or supplementation, can be a supportive strategy for those with trigeminal neuralgia, but it should not replace conventional medical treatment. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the right course of action, as TN is a serious neurological condition requiring professional medical management.

Key Takeaways

• Not a direct cause: Low magnesium does not directly cause trigeminal neuralgia, which is more commonly linked to nerve compression by a blood vessel.
• Exacerbates symptoms: A magnesium deficiency can worsen TN symptoms by increasing nerve excitability and lowering the pain threshold.
• NMDA receptor antagonist: Magnesium helps modulate nerve pain by blocking NMDA receptors, which are involved in central sensitization.
• Supplementation as an adjunct: Magnesium supplementation may be used as an adjuvant therapy to help manage symptoms and improve nerve health alongside primary medical treatments.
• Multiple forms of supplements: Different forms of magnesium have varying bioavailability and effects, with options like magnesium glycinate favored for nerve pain.
• Consult a doctor: It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for trigeminal neuralgia before starting any new supplement regimen.

FAQs

Q: What are the main causes of trigeminal neuralgia? A: The most common cause is compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel, but it can also be caused by multiple sclerosis, tumors, or other nerve-damaging conditions.

Q: Can low magnesium trigger a trigeminal neuralgia attack? A: While low magnesium is not a direct trigger, a deficiency can increase nerve excitability and sensitivity, potentially making TN attacks more frequent or severe.

Q: How does magnesium help with nerve pain? A: Magnesium modulates nerve pain by blocking the overactive NMDA receptors in the nervous system, which prevents the amplification of pain signals.

Q: What are the best forms of magnesium for nerve health? A: Forms with high bioavailability, such as magnesium glycinate and magnesium L-threonate, are often recommended for nerve pain and overall nerve health.

Q: Can I get enough magnesium from my diet to help with trigeminal neuralgia? A: A magnesium-rich diet is beneficial, but many people don't get enough through food alone due to factors like modern soil depletion. Supplements may be necessary to address deficiencies.

Q: Are there any side effects to taking magnesium supplements? A: Excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Always start with a lower dose and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have kidney problems or take other medications.

Q: Can magnesium replace my prescribed trigeminal neuralgia medication? A: No, magnesium should not replace prescribed medication for trigeminal neuralgia. It is considered an adjunct therapy that may support nerve health, but standard medical treatment is necessary for managing this serious condition.

Citations

• Intravenous lidocaine and magnesium for management of intractable trigeminal neuralgia: a case series. PubMed.gov. (2013). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23712613/
• Trigeminal neuralgia - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. (2023). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigeminal-neuralgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353344
• Which Magnesium Is Best For Nerve Pain. Trace Minerals. (2025). https://www.traceminerals.com/blogs/post/which-magnesium-is-best-for-nerve-pain
• Magnesium and Pain. MDPI. (2020). https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/8/2184
• The Key to Long-Lasting Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief. Bay Area NUCCA Care. (2023). https://bayareanuccacare.com/trigeminal-neuralgia-help-nucca-supplements/
• Magnesium for Nerve Pain Relief & Support. Trace Minerals. (2025). https://www.traceminerals.com/collections/magnesium-for-nerve-pain

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of trigeminal neuralgia?

The most common cause is compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel, but it can also be caused by multiple sclerosis, tumors, or other nerve-damaging conditions.

Can low magnesium trigger a trigeminal neuralgia attack?

While low magnesium is not a direct trigger, a deficiency can increase nerve excitability and sensitivity, potentially making TN attacks more frequent or severe.

How does magnesium help with nerve pain?

Magnesium modulates nerve pain by blocking the overactive NMDA receptors in the nervous system, which prevents the amplification of pain signals.

What are the best forms of magnesium for nerve health?

Forms with high bioavailability, such as magnesium glycinate and magnesium L-threonate, are often recommended for nerve pain and overall nerve health.

Can I get enough magnesium from my diet to help with trigeminal neuralgia?

A magnesium-rich diet is beneficial, but many people don't get enough through food alone due to factors like modern soil depletion. Supplements may be necessary to address deficiencies.

Are there any side effects to taking magnesium supplements?

Excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Always start with a lower dose and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have kidney problems or take other medications.

Can magnesium replace my prescribed trigeminal neuralgia medication?

No, magnesium should not replace prescribed medication for trigeminal neuralgia. It is considered an adjunct therapy that may support nerve health, but standard medical treatment is necessary for managing this serious condition.