Cause

• According to A. Mauskop and B.M. Altura, of the New York Headache Center, research has shown that migraines can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, specifically a deficiency in magnesium.
  
  

Magnesium

• Magnesium is a mineral that can relax blood vessels and increase the body's efficient use of serotonin. The USDA has performed studies that show a high correlation between migraine sufferers and low levels of magnesium.
  
  

Serotonin

• Magnesium steadies serotonin levels. A dip or rise in serotonin can cause blood vessels to dilate or constrict, which leads to migraines.
  
  

Consequences

• Low levels of magnesium can lead to migraines. In the June 24, 2009 issue of "Neurology," Dr. Tobias Kurth of Harvard Medical School, stated that migraines, especially in women, are a health concern that can lead to more serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
  
  

Treatment

• Migraine sufferers should incorporate more magnesium into their diet through foods such as vegetables, legumes and nuts or through magnesium supplements.