Epilepsy and migraines can occur on the same patient. I know this is true because I have both. There are studies that have been done to prove this also. Tension headaches are less intense than migraines. A study estimates that one out of three people with epilepsy will have migraines.
To diagnose migraine headaches, your doctor will confirm migraine headaches with this information:
- You can answer yes to at least two of the following questions:
- Does the headache appear just on one side?
- Does the headache pulse?
- Is the pain moderate or severe?
- Does routine physical activity aggravate the pain, or is the pain so bad you have to avoid that activity?
- You have a headache with one or both of the following:
- nausea or vomiting
- sensitivity to light, sound, or odors
- You’ve had at least five of these headaches lasting four to 72 hours.
- The headaches aren’t caused by another disease or condition.
(http://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/migraine-and-seizure#1)
To help avoid migraines:
- Avoid skipping meals.
- Eat meals regularly.
- Establish a regular sleep schedule.
- Make sure you get enough sleep.
- Take steps to avoid too much stress.
- Limit your caffeine intake.
- Make sure that you get enough exercise.
- Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese.
(http://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/migraine-and-seizure#3)
Medication for patients with both epilepsy and migraines are divalproex sodium, gabapentin, and topiramate. Eectroencephalogram (EEG) predicts epilepsy better than migraines. Women are more likely than men to have migraines.