Question: I take a 400 mg magnesium supplement every day. I am going to be having microvascular decompression surgery in a few months for hemifacial spasms. Because this is basically "brain surgery," am I getting enough magnesium or should I raise the levels?
Dr. Blaylock's Answer:
I worked with the neurosurgeon who devised the microvascular decompression operation, Dr. Pete Jennetta. Magnesium for neuroprotection requires a higher dose, but it requires several months to increase levels in the brain. Your 400 mg a day dose is too low.
In general, I recommend 500 mg twice a day as magnesium malate or magnesium citrate. A time-release brand will allow you to reach these doses without problems with diarrhea. If you can convince your neurosurgeon to add several grams of magnesium sulfate to your IV during surgery, it would be even better.
As the magnesium levels in the brain rise, it could control the hemifacial spasm. Again, it is important to avoid excitotoxins in the food, as they worsen hemifacial spasm and increase the risk of brain injury.
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