Can Migraines Cause Seizures?
Migraines and seizures often get mentioned together because they share certain triggers and symptoms. While they are two different conditions, they can overlap in rare cases. A migraine does not directly cause a seizure, but in some people, a severe migraine—especially one with aura—may trigger one.
This connection is uncommon, yet it matters because both conditions involve changes in brain activity. Migraines can bring on intense pain, nausea, or vision changes, while seizures happen when the brain has sudden bursts of electrical activity. Learning how these two disorders interact helps people recognize when symptoms may point to something more serious.
Definition of Symptom
A migraine headache is more than just head pain. It is a neurological condition that often appears in repeated attacks. These attacks can last for hours or even days and usually bring several symptoms beyond the headache itself. The headache often feels like a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Some people also feel pressure or pulsing pain that gets worse with movement or activity.
Many people experience aura before or during a migraine. An aura can include seeing flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag lines. Others may notice tingling sensations or temporary trouble speaking. When aura is present, it is called migraine with aura. Other common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sound sensitivity
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating
In rare cases, people may have a headache linked to seizure activity. This overlap can make it hard to tell whether the pain is part of a migraine or related to seizure symptoms. Migraine pain can differ in intensity. For some, it feels mild but persistent. For others, it is severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
| Symptom | Common in Migraine | Possible in Seizure |
|---|---|---|
| Throbbing headache | Yes | Rare |
| Visual aura | Yes | Sometimes |
| Nausea/Vomiting | Yes | Sometimes |
| Sound sensitivity | Yes | Rare |
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Migraines and seizures are separate conditions, but they share some features in the brain. Both involve abnormal brain activity, which may explain why they sometimes happen together. People with epilepsy are more likely to have migraines, especially migraine with aura.
In some rare cases, a severe migraine aura may trigger a seizure. This is sometimes called migralepsy. While the link is not fully understood, it suggests that both conditions may use some of the same pathways in the brain. Genetic factors also play a role. Certain gene changes have been linked to both migraine and epilepsy. Examples include:
| Gene | Possible Role | Related Condition |
|---|---|---|
| CACNA1A | Affects calcium channels | Familial hemiplegic migraine, epilepsy |
| ATP1A2 | Involved in ion transport | Migraine with aura, seizures |
| SCN1A | Impacts sodium channels | Epileptic seizures, migraine |
| PRRT2 | Linked to synaptic function | Epilepsy, movement disorders, migraine |
Shared triggers like stress, lack of sleep, or hormonal changes may also influence both conditions. This overlap can make diagnosis harder because symptoms such as visual changes, dizziness, or confusion may appear in both migraine and seizure episodes.
Studies suggest that people with frequent migraines have a slightly higher risk of developing epilepsy. Likewise, those with epilepsy often report migraines between or after seizures.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Not all seizure-like events linked to migraine come from a disease. Everyday factors can sometimes play a role in triggering episodes that resemble seizures or make migraines worse.
- Stress is one of the most common triggers. High stress levels can make the brain more excitable, which may increase the chance of migraine attacks. In some cases, this extra strain may also lead to seizure-like symptoms.
- Alcohol can also have an impact. Drinking too much alcohol may lower the brain’s resistance to seizures, making it more prone to abnormal activity. It can also trigger migraines in people who are sensitive to it.
- Temporary illness such as fever, dehydration, or infections may raise the risk of both migraines and seizure-like activity. These conditions put extra stress on the body, which can affect the brain’s stability.
A quick overview of these factors:
| Trigger | Possible Effect on Brain | Link to Migraine/Seizure-Like Events |
|---|---|---|
| Stress | Increases excitability | Can trigger migraines and mimic seizures |
| Alcohol | Lowers seizure threshold | May cause migraines and seizure-like episodes |
| Illness | Strains body systems | Can worsen migraines and trigger episodes |
How It Causes the Symptom
Migraines and seizures both involve changes in brain activity, but they do not directly cause one another in most cases. Instead, they may share overlapping mechanisms that sometimes make them appear linked.
One process thought to play a role is cortical spreading depression (CSD). This is a wave of electrical changes across the brain that can trigger migraine aura. In rare cases, this abnormal activity may also lower the brain’s threshold for a seizure.
Doctors sometimes use a brain wave test (EEG) to study these events. An EEG records electrical signals in the brain. During a migraine, unusual patterns may appear, but these patterns are usually different from those seen in epilepsy.
Sometimes, a seizure can lead to a strong headache that feels like a migraine. These are often called post-ictal headaches. Key points to note:
- Migraine Activity: Triggered by CSD and external factors like stress or lack of sleep.
- Seizure Activity: Caused by sudden bursts of abnormal electrical signals.
- Shared Features: Both conditions can involve aura, sensory changes, and altered brain activity.
Rarely, a seizure may be triggered during or after a migraine aura, a condition sometimes referred to as migralepsy. This remains uncommon but shows how the two conditions can overlap in certain individuals.
Possible Complications
Migraines can sometimes lead to complications that affect daily life and long-term health. While most people only experience head pain and sensory changes, a small number may face more complex issues.
One rare event is a migraine aura-triggered seizure, also called migralepsy. This happens when a seizure occurs shortly after a migraine with aura. Though uncommon, it highlights the close relationship between migraine activity and seizure risk.
People with migraines may also develop post-ictal headaches if they have epilepsy. These headaches occur after a seizure and can feel similar to a migraine, making diagnosis harder. Other possible complications include:
- Stroke-like symptoms during migraine aura, such as vision loss or weakness.
- Increased risk of epilepsy in people with frequent migraines.
- Misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms between seizures and migraine attacks.
Studies show that the prevalence of migraine in people with epilepsy ranges from 8–24%, while epilepsy in people with migraine is reported between 1–17%. This overlap suggests shared brain pathways and genetic factors. The table below outlines some of the key complications:
| Complication | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Migraine aura-triggered seizure | Seizure following migraine aura | Very rare |
| Post-ictal headache | Headache after seizure, migraine-like | Occasional |
| Stroke-like symptoms | Aura mimicking stroke | Rare |
| Higher epilepsy risk | Migraines linked with increased epilepsy | Possible |
When to Seek Medical Attention
See a doctor if a migraine feels different from your usual pattern. A sudden, severe headache that appears quickly can signal a more serious problem. Get medical help if your headache comes with new symptoms such as:
- Confusion or trouble speaking
- Balance problems or weakness
- Vision changes like blurred or double vision
- Numbness in the face or limbs
If you have a seizure for the first time, seek immediate medical attention. Seizures during or after a migraine are not typical and need urgent care. People should pay attention if headaches worsen over time or are accompanied by new neurological changes. These signs may indicate conditions that require treatment beyond standard migraine care.
Quick Guide
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| First-time seizure | Call emergency services |
| Sudden, severe headache | Seek urgent care |
| Headache with confusion, weakness, or speech issues | See a doctor right away |
| Gradually worsening headaches | Schedule a medical evaluation |
If you have both migraines and seizures, work closely with a neurologist. Careful monitoring helps find the right treatment and lowers risks.
