The Surprising Connection Between Epilepsy and Migraines

As if migraines were not bad enough to have to deal with on their own, they can occasionally be connected to another serious health condition—seizures. Unfortunately, since the two conditions share some similar symptoms, they may be confused for one another, or a person may not realize that he is experiencing both. The term for migraines and seizures together is migralepsy.

What Is an Occipital Seizure?

One condition that can mimic the symptoms of a migraine is an occipital seizure. Symptoms include:

• Vision loss
• Hallucinations
• Eye pain
• Fluttering or side to side eye movement
• Image repetition (a person sees the same thing, although it has passed) ​

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

---

How Does Migralepsy Differ?

​One primary thing that can set migralespy apart is aura. If you experience aura before an attack, that is from a migraine and means that a migraine is presenting with the seizures.

Interestingly, another thing that connects the two conditions is what causes them to occur. Electrical signals that the brain receives through the nerves are abnormal in both cases. Because of this, the first goal has to be to get those nerves sending the right messages again.

One thing that can cause these abnormal signals is pressure on the brainstem. This can be the result of a misalignment of the C1 or C2 vertebrae which are situated at the base of the skull. Correcting such a misalignment can go a long way in reducing the frequency of migraines and seizures, perhaps even stopping the attacks completely.

Learn More About Migraine Treatment in Tulsa, Oklahoma

If that sounds too good to be true, I encourage you to give us a call at Books Spinal Care to schedule a consultation. Our upper cervical chiropractors can explain to you why the NUCCA method of upper cervical care is so effective at helping neurological conditions like migraines.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanson click the button below or call 866-587-7111

​