Migraine and epilepsy: clinical and pathophysiological relations

Neurol Sci. 2007 May:28 Suppl 2:S150-5. doi: 10.1007/s10072-007-0769-1.

Abstract

Migraine and epilepsy are both chronic disorders characterised by recurrent neurological attacks, with a partial clinical and therapeutic overlap and frequently occurring together. Although still incompletely clarified, the possible existence of a link between migraine and epilepsy has long been debated. In this paper the epidemiologic evidence of migraine and epilepsy comorbidity, the possible occurrence of both disturbances in close temporal association, possible shared physiopathologic mechanisms and the rationale for antiepileptic drug use in migraine prophylaxis will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Comorbidity
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology*
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Kindling, Neurologic / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Nerve Net / drug effects
  • Nerve Net / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants