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Paungarttner J, Quartana M, Patti L, Sklenárová B, Farham F, Jiménez IH, Soylu MG, Vlad IM, Tasdelen S, Mateu T, Marsico O, Reina F, Tischler V, Lampl C. Migraine - a borderland disease to epilepsy: near it but not of it. J Headache Pain 2024; 25:11. [PMID: 38273253 PMCID: PMC10811828 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migraine and epilepsy are two paroxysmal chronic neurological disorders affecting a high number of individuals and being responsible for a high individual and socioeconomic burden. The link between these disorders has been of interest for decades and innovations concerning diagnosing and treatment enable new insights into their relationship. FINDINGS Although appearing to be distinct at first glance, both diseases exhibit a noteworthy comorbidity, shared pathophysiological pathways, and significant overlaps in characteristics like clinical manifestation or prophylactic treatment. This review aims to explore the intricate relationship between these two conditions, shedding light on shared pathophysiological foundations, genetic interdependencies, common and distinct clinical features, clinically overlapping syndromes, and therapeutic similarities. There are several shared pathophysiological mechanisms, like CSD, the likely underlying cause of migraine aura, or neurotransmitters, mainly Glutamate and GABA, which represent important roles in triggering migraine attacks and seizures. The genetic interrelations between the two disorders can be observed by taking a closer look at the group of familial hemiplegic migraines, which are caused by mutations in genes like CACNA1A, ATP1A2, or SCN1A. The intricate relationship is further underlined by the high number of shared clinical features, which can be observed over the entire course of migraine attacks and epileptic seizures. While the variety of the clinical manifestation of an epileptic seizure is naturally higher than that of a migraine attack, a distinction can indeed be difficult in some cases, e.g. in occipital lobe epilepsy. Moreover, triggering factors like sleep deprivation or alcohol consumption play an important role in both diseases. In the period after the seizure or migraine attack, symptoms like speech difficulties, tiredness, and yawning occur. While the actual attack of the disease usually lasts for a limited time, research indicates that individuals suffering from migraine and/or epilepsy are highly affected in their daily life, especially regarding cognitive and social aspects, a burden that is even worsened using antiseizure medication. This medication allows us to reveal further connections, as certain antiepileptics are proven to have beneficial effects on the frequency and severity of migraine and have been used as a preventive drug for both diseases over many years. CONCLUSION Migraine and epilepsy show a high number of similarities in their mechanisms and clinical presentation. A deeper understanding of the intricate relationship will positively advance patient-oriented research and clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Quartana
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother-and Childcare "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Patti
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother-and Childcare "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Barbora Sklenárová
- St. Anne's University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Fatemeh Farham
- Headache Department, Iranian Center of Neurological Researchers, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - M Gokcen Soylu
- Department of Neurology, Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irina Maria Vlad
- Department of Neurosciences, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Semih Tasdelen
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Teresa Mateu
- Department of Neurology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Fundació Sanitària Mollet, Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oreste Marsico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospitall", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Federica Reina
- NeuroTeam Life&Science, Spin-off University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Viktoria Tischler
- Headache Medical Center Linz, Linz, Austria
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Konventhospital Barmherzige Brüder Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Christian Lampl
- Headache Medical Center Linz, Linz, Austria.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Konventhospital Barmherzige Brüder Linz, Linz, Austria.
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Sforza G, Ruscitto C, Moavero R, Ursitti F, Ferilli MAN, Tarantino S, Balestri M, Vigevano F, Valeriani M, Papetti L. Case Report: Migralepsy: The Two-Faced Janus of Neurology. Front Neurol 2021; 12:711858. [PMID: 34707554 PMCID: PMC8542981 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.711858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We report three cases of pediatric patients suffering from migraine aura triggered seizures. This entity, also called migralepsy, still does not have a unique definition today. Migraine and epilepsy are both episodic neurological disorders with periods of interictal well-being; this is indicative of similar pathophysiological mechanisms, such as increased neuronal excitation and ion channel dysfunction. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the clinical and instrumental features of migralepsy through the description of three clinical cases in which the symptoms of the usual migraine aura developed into a generalized tonic–clonic or focal seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sforza
- Pediatric Headache Center, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Ruscitto
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Moavero
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Ursitti
- Pediatric Headache Center, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Ada Noris Ferilli
- Pediatric Headache Center, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Samuela Tarantino
- Pediatric Headache Center, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Balestri
- Child Neurology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Child Neurology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Valeriani
- Pediatric Headache Center, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Laura Papetti
- Pediatric Headache Center, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
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Bauer PR, Tolner EA, Keezer MR, Ferrari MD, Sander JW. Headache in people with epilepsy. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:529-544. [PMID: 34312533 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00516-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological estimates indicate that individuals with epilepsy are more likely to experience headaches, including migraine, than individuals without epilepsy. Headaches can be temporally unrelated to seizures, or can occur before, during or after an episode; seizures and migraine attacks are mostly not temporally linked. The pathophysiological links between headaches (including migraine) and epilepsy are complex and have not yet been fully elucidated. Correct diagnoses and appropriate treatment of headaches in individuals with epilepsy is essential, as headaches can contribute substantially to disease burden. Here, we review the insights that have been made into the associations between headache and epilepsy over the past 5 years, including information on the pathophysiological mechanisms and genetic variants that link the two disorders. We also discuss the current best practice for the management of headaches co-occurring with epilepsy and highlight future challenges for this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisca R Bauer
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Else A Tolner
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark R Keezer
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Michel D Ferrari
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, The Netherlands.,NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
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Abstract
Background The complex relationship between migraine and epilepsy has frequently been described to represent a clinical and electrographic "borderland." These two conditions share clinical expressions such as paroxysmal and chronic nature, as well as semiology, particularly visual phenomenon. Objective We aimed to review the current literature on the overlapping phenomena of migraine and epilepsy. Materials and Methods We searched the PubMed for relevant literature and conducted a narrative review on migraine and epilepsy. Results Migraine and epilepsy share a complex and pathophysiologically intriguing relationship. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) makes diagnostic provisions for migraine aura-triggered seizures (Subchapter 1.4.4) and headache attributed to epileptic seizure (Subchapter 7.6), the latter being further categorized as 7.6.1 Ictal epileptic headache, and 7.6.2 post-ictal headache. Neurological conditions such as certain channelopathies and epilepsy syndromes exhibit both conditions within their phenotypic spectrum, suggesting shared genetic and molecular underpinnings. Diagnostic confusion may arise, particularly between occipital epilepsy and the visual aura of migraine. Antiseizure medications may be effective for the treatment of migraines that occur in concert with epilepsy. Conclusions Migraine and epilepsy share several clinical features and have intertwined genetic and molecular underpinnings, which may contribute to common pathogenesis. Electroencephalography may be useful as a diagnostic tool in selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyani Garg
- Department of Neurology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Manjari Tripathi
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Birk D, Noachtar S, Kaufmann E. Kopfschmerz bei Parietal- und Okzipitallappenepilepsien. ZEITSCHRIFT FÜR EPILEPTOLOGIE 2021; 34:86-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s10309-020-00381-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungEpilepsiepatienten leiden überdurchschnittlich häufig unter Kopfschmerzen. Dies gilt insbesondere für Patienten mit idiopathisch generalisierten und parietookzipitalen Epilepsien. Die Häufigkeit des gemeinsamen Auftretens von Kopfschmerzen und Epilepsie überschreitet dabei die rechnerische Koinzidenz, sodass von einer Komorbidität beider Syndrome auszugehen ist. Bestärkt wird diese Hypothese durch überlappende genetische Veränderungen sowie gemeinsame pathophysiologische Mechanismen. Bis zu 62 % der Patienten mit z. B. Parietal- und Okzipitallappenepilepsie (POLE) geben Kopfschmerzen an. Diese treten v. a. nach dem Anfall (postiktal) auf und manifestieren sich am häufigsten als Migräne-ähnlicher Kopfschmerz oder Spannungskopfschmerz. Seltener kommt es zu Kopfschmerzen vor (periiktal), während (iktal) oder zwischen (interiktal) epileptischen Anfällen. Bei transienten neurologischen Ausfallsymptomen mit begleitenden Kopfschmerzen ist differenzialdiagnostisch neben der Migräne an vaskuläre Ereignisse wie Synkopen oder eine transiente ischämische Attacke zu denken.
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Noachtar S, Güldiken B. [Diagnosis of non-epileptic paroxysmal disorders and epileptic seizures]. DER NERVENARZT 2017; 88:1109-1118. [PMID: 28842725 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-017-0397-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Non-epileptic paroxysmal disorders may clinically manifest in a similar way to epileptic seizures and have to be considered in the differential diagnosis of epilepsy. Syncope, non-epileptic psychogenic seizures, paroxysmal movement disorders, migraine, transient ischemic attacks and parasomnia constitute the major differential diagnoses. A meticulous history and a third party description are useful for the differential diagnosis. Neurological, psychiatric and cardiological examinations are required for the correct differential diagnosis. The interictal electroencephalogram (EEG), which is normal in non-epileptic patients, is frequently normal in epileptic patients at the onset of seizures, but reaches a high sensitivity after repeated recordings. In equivocal cases EEG video monitoring and in the case of suspected cardiac asystole, event recorders are useful diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Noachtar
- Epilepsie-Zentrum, Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum der Universität München-Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.
| | - B Güldiken
- Neurologische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultät, Trakya Universität, Edirne, Türkei
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Hartl E, Angel J, Rémi J, Schankin CJ, Noachtar S. Visual Auras in Epilepsy and Migraine - An Analysis of Clinical Characteristics. Headache 2017; 57:908-916. [DOI: 10.1111/head.13113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hartl
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center; University of Munich; Munich Germany
| | - Jose Angel
- Department of Neurology; University of Regensburg; Regensburg Germany
| | - Jan Rémi
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center; University of Munich; Munich Germany
| | - Christoph J. Schankin
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital; Bern University Hospital, University of Bern; Switzerland
| | - Soheyl Noachtar
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center; University of Munich; Munich Germany
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Parisi P, Striano P, Belcastro V. Exploring the strengths and weakness of the ictal epileptic headache criteria. Acta Paediatr 2017; 106:694-695. [PMID: 28383197 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Parisi
- Child Neurology, and Paediatric Headache Centre; Chair of Paediatrics, NESMOS Department; Faculty of Medicine & Psychology; “Sapienza” University of Rome; Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit; DINOGMI-Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health; University of Genoa, “G. Gaslini” Institute; Genova Italy
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Cianchetti C, Avanzini G, Dainese F, Guidetti V. The complex interrelations between two paroxysmal disorders: headache and epilepsy. Neurol Sci 2017; 38:941-948. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-017-2926-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Palacios E, Clavijo-Prado C. Semiología de la crisis epiléptica: un reto clínico. REPERTORIO DE MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reper.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Child Neurology & Paediatric Headache Centre, Chair of Paediatrics, NESMOS Dpt, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, c/o "S. Andrea" Hospital, Rome, Italy
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