According to Wikipedia, 1.16 Billion people (14%) worldwide suffer from migraines. 37 Million in the US.
Migraines are caused by low serotonin levels and low serotonin levels are caused by low magnesium levels. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) stops migraine attacks because it acts like serotonin. Serotonin is produced from Magnesium →Tryptophan → 5-HTP → Serotonin. Magnesium acts as a coenzyme at every stage of this biochemical chain. Without sufficient magnesium, serotonin production is impaired, which can lead to decreased emotional resilience, increased anxiety, low mood, sensitivity to stress, and migraines.
How do I know this? I started taking chewable magnesium glycinate 1 year ago for sleep and the migraines nearly stopped. If there is an attack, taking imitrex and magnesium together shortens the attack and the postdrome phase.
I used to think migraines were caused by altitude, caffeine, and stress. But most of the migraines had no explanation which didn't make sense. Now I think migraines are caused by low magnesium which in turn causes low serotonin. While not a total cure, taking magnesium increases sleep quality, reduces the number of migraines, and significantly improves wellbeing. I have never felt so zen.