Don't Ignore These Headaches: They Could Signal Seizures

While most headaches stem from stress or lifestyle factors, some patterns can precede or accompany epileptic activity, according to neurologist Dr. Atul Prasad. He detailed specific headache types that warrant medical attention, emphasizing that these are not typical benign headaches.

Dr. Prasad explained that pre-ictal headaches occur moments before a seizure and can be accompanied by nausea or palpitations. Morning headaches paired with vomiting are particularly concerning, suggesting elevated intracranial pressure or structural issues that could provoke seizures. These require immediate evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions.

Additionally, the neurologist described migralepsy, where migraine auras are unusually long or end abruptly, leading to confusion or convulsions. Post-ictal headaches, a severe throbbing pain following a seizure, also demand attention. Recognizing these distinct headache patterns is crucial for early diagnosis and management of potential seizure disorders.