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Current Pain and Headache Reports
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 8/2013

01-08-2013 | Secondary Headache (K Henry, Section Editor)

Headache and Epilepsy

Authors: P. R. Bauer, J. A. Carpay, G. M. Terwindt, J. W. Sander, R. J. Thijs, J. Haan, G. H. Visser

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 8/2013

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Abstract

Headache and epilepsy often co-occur. Epidemiologic studies conducted in the past few years reinforce the notion of a bi-directional association between migraine and epilepsy. Data on an association between headache (in general) and epilepsy, however, are less clear. Peri-ictal headache often presents with migraine-like symptoms and can be severe. A correct diagnosis and management are paramount. It was demonstrated that cortical hyperexcitability may underlie both epilepsy and migraine. A recent study linked spreading depolarisation, the supposed underlying pathophysiological mechanism of migraine with aura, to epilepsy. Although this study was carried out in patients who had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage, the finding may shed light on pathophysiological mechanisms common to epilepsy and migraine.
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Metadata
Title
Headache and Epilepsy
Authors
P. R. Bauer
J. A. Carpay
G. M. Terwindt
J. W. Sander
R. J. Thijs
J. Haan
G. H. Visser
Publication date
01-08-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 8/2013
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0351-x

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