Branched-chain amino acid supplementation as a potential trigger for migraine without aura: a case report

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. 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. 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.