Magnesium in the treatment and prevention of cerebrovascular diseases

E.S. Akarachkova

International Society of Stress “Stress Under Control”, Moscow

At present, there is mounting evidence concerning the magnesium role in determining the level of the cell potential, which is extremely important in the pathogenesis of stroke, as well as in the survival and recovery processes of brain cells. The energy donor in cellular processes is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the form of Mg²⁺-ATP complex. In acute and chronic brain ischemia, Mg²⁺ deficiency underlies cell hypoxia, which leads to their subsequent death. If there is much concern about life and death of the patient, severe micronutrient deficiency requires a massive correction of magnesium homeostasis. This is an integral component of resuscitation in neurology, cardiology, and obstetrics. But even in the routine practice of a neurologist, there are commonly patients with chronic cerebrovascular pathology accompanied by magnesium deficiency. This determines the need for the use of magnesium-containing agents with neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties in the treatment and prevention of cerebrovascular diseases. Magnesium sulfate is an essential part of therapy at the pre-hospital stage and during the acute phase of stroke, providing the brain with potentially protective agents and creating the basis for further neuroprotective therapy. Subsequently, the inclusion of magnesium  orotate in the comprehensive treatment and stroke prevention allows achieving persistent positive clinical results.

Keywords: neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, neurogenesis, apoptosis, excitotoxicity, ATP, NMDA receptors, cerebrovascular diseases, arterial hypertension, stroke, chronic brain ischemia, calcium, magnesium, magnesium deficiency, magnesium sulfate, magnesium orotate.

For citation: Akarachkova E.S. Magnesium in the treatment and prevention of cerebrovascular diseases. RMJ. 2020;8:8–12.