Medical Genetics

Although the nature of epilepsy and headache association has not been fully understand, during the past 100 years several potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain the link between these two conditions. To get a definitive international consensus on the crossover between headache and epilepsy, many authors have spent endless efforts to reach an agreement on the various aspects of this intriguing concept. The clinical hypothesis that headache and epilepsy are related derives from 19th century literature data. Sir Gowers first suggested that “migraine is in the borderland of epilepsy”, and we can say now, in the light of modern knowledge, that neurotransmitters and ion channel dysfunctions can play a leading role. Both are characterized by transient attacks of altered brain function with a spectrum of common pathophysiological, clinical and therapeutic features. Furthermore, epilepsy and migraine may mimic each other. Pasquale Parisi, The Overlap between Headache and Epilepsy in the Light of Recent Advances in Medical Genetics.

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Last date updated on September, 2024