Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Could Taking Lion S Mane Mushroom Worsen My Chronic Migraine By Increasing Pain Signaling?

Hi there, I have been diagnosed with chronic migraine with post traumatic onset by a specialist. I experience many symptoms such as memory loss, poor concentration, chronic stress, insulin resistance and depression. My migraine began about 3 years ago following a number of concussions playing sport and it has gotten progressively worse since then. I have tried all medications recommended to me by specialists (topamax, beta blockers, amitriptyline just to name a few) however they have provided little relief and seem to result in many unfortunate side effects. Recently, I have begun to take a medicinal mushroom supplement called lions mane. It is known to increase the amount of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor in the brain, both of which are known to stimulate neurogenesis. I find that the mushroom has been beneficial for me so far, resulting in better memory and mental clarity in the short time that I have been taking it. I have, however, read online that NGF can lead to pain signalling in the Brian being overactivated and worsening of certain chronic pain conditions. Although I am not asking you for explicit medical advice on this matter as I’m aware it is something you cannot provide, however I was just wondering if you would be at all concerned that Lions Mane could worsen my migraine by increasing the pain signalling in the way described above. Alternatively, if you thought this may only happen over periods of time where I was under stress or my migraine was worse, might it be worth considering not taking it during these periods and only going back into it when my migraine symptoms have calmed down? Thanks so much in advance for anything you can tell me about my worries in this regard.
Fri, 17 Jan 2025
Report Abuse
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Could Taking Lion S Mane Mushroom Worsen My Chronic Migraine By Increasing Pain Signaling?