Branched-chain amino acid supplementation as a potential trigger for migraine without aura: a case report
Abstract
Background: Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder with a wide range of reported triggers, including dietary factors and nutritional supplements. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are frequently consumed to enhance athletic performance; however, their potential role in triggering migraine attacks remains largely unexplored.
Case presentation: A 28-year-old White man developed a severe unilateral pulsatile headache associated with nausea, vomiting, and photophobia 2 hours after consuming a BCAA supplement following exercise. Neuroimaging and laboratory investigations were unremarkable, and the patient fulfilled the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3), criteria for migraine without aura. Symptoms resolved with acute treatment, and no further attacks occurred following discontinuation of BCAA supplementation and implementation of preventive and lifestyle measures during 6 months of follow-up.
Conclusion: This case highlights BCAA supplementation as a potential trigger for migraine and discusses plausible neurobiological mechanisms relevant to migraine susceptibility. Further studies are needed to clarify this potential association.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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