Migralepsy: a call for a revision of the definition

Epilepsia. 2009 Nov;50(11):2487-96. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02265.x. Epub 2009 Aug 19.

Abstract

Migralepsy is an ill-defined nosologic entity, with only a few cases described in the literature. In the 2004 International Classification for Headache Disorders (ICHD-II), the International Headache Society proposed that the following diagnostic criteria should be met: (1) migraine fulfilling criteria for 1.2 Migraine with aura (MA) and (2) a seizure fulfilling diagnostic criteria for one type of epileptic attack occurs during or within 1 h after a migraine aura. Herein, by presenting a case with symptoms suggestive of migralepsy and by reviewing all previous cases described in the literature, we discuss the challenges of differentiating this condition from epileptic seizures, as well as the inaccuracy of the current ICHD-II definition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Comorbidity
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epilepsies, Partial / classification
  • Epilepsies, Partial / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / classification*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology
  • Headache Disorders / classification*
  • Headache Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • International Classification of Diseases / standards
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / classification*
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Migraine Disorders / epidemiology
  • Migraine with Aura / classification
  • Migraine with Aura / diagnosis
  • Migraine with Aura / epidemiology
  • Terminology as Topic