Are Migraine & Epilepsy Linked?

Scientists do not know the exact cause of migraines. Genes are thought to play a role, since migraines have a tendency to run in families. The most widely accepted theory is that the brain cannot properly handle the neurotransmitter serotonin. This neurotransmitter is also thought to contribute to epilepsy and major depression. People with migraines often have another chronic condition (called a comorbidity) such as major depression or epilepsy.

Genetics

• According to a 1997 study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a mutated form of chromosome 19 appears in people who have coordination problems during migraine attacks. These coordination problems are similar to ones common in some epilepsy attacks. This chromosome acts in a similar manner to the chromosome in mice with coordination and seizure difficulties, known as chromosome 8 Cacnl1a4.

Medication

• Another clue that migraines and epilepsy may be linked is that some medications originally made for epileptics also help to stop migraine pain. These medications include Topamax (active ingredient topiramate), which was originally marketed in 1979 to prevent epileptic seizures. Patients related to their doctors that their migraine attacks lessened or stopped. Doctors began prescribing Topamax off-label for migraines. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also approved it for treating migraines.

Depression Factor

• Major depression may be another cause that links both migraines and epilepsy together in some people. A 2007 study, "Co-occurrence of major depression or suicide attempt with migraine with aura and risk for unprovoked seizure" (Dale C. Hesdorffer, PhD, et al; 2007), did show that a high number of people with migraines tried to commit suicide and developed seizures. Taking antidepressants daily has helped some people with migraines to have fewer attacks.

Consideration

• It is still not known if epilepsy causes migraines or migraines causes epilepsy or if depression causes both epilepsy and migraines. It seems more than coincidental that all three pop up together or the appearance of one means that the other two could possibly appear, but it's not proven. But although a person with migraines may not develop either depression or epilepsy, she should still be aware that she could develop them in the future.

Theory

• Genes may determine whether a person is more likely to develop migraines, epilepsy or depression. Similar gene makeup does not mean that a person is 100 percent more likely to develop any or all of these conditions when exposed to factors such as smoking, drinking, insomnia, high stress levels or other conditions known to trigger migraine attacks, epileptic seizures or bouts of depression.