Migralepsy: What It Is and How to Cope With the Symptoms

Migralepsy is a degenerative brain disorder. Healthcare professionals and researchers characterize it as recurring attacks of debilitating headaches accompanied by visual disturbances, seizures, and other symptoms. Studies note that it causes damage to the thalamus—a part of your brain that regulates sleep and wakefulness. Thankfully, all hope is not lost if you have migralepsy. After all, you have several options to achieve migraine relief in Carmel.

 

Diagnosing Migralepsy

The exact cause behind migralepsy is unknown. However, studies believe that genetics may be a risk factor that causes some people to develop the condition.

Migralepsy is a rare form of epilepsy that causes a person to have seizures following migraine headaches. Notably, some people diagnosed with this condition can potentially experience both migraine and epilepsy. Meanwhile, others may only have seizures after struggling with migraine attacks for years. 

It's good practice to consult with a physician right away if you meet these two criteria for migralepsy:

  • A history of migraines with typical features (aura)
  • A history of partial seizures (with one area of the brain affected) followed by migraine headaches

 

Understanding Migraine and Seizures

As migralepsy is the combination of migraine headaches and seizures, it will be helpful to have a better idea of both conditions. This will help patients understand how these two are connected and figure out the most appropriate, available, and effective source of migraine relief in Carmel.

Migraine

Migraine is a brain disorder that can be painful, disabling, and even life-threatening. It affects 29.5 million people in the United States. People with migraine alone usually experience the following 

Migraine headaches are characterized by:

  • Headaches lasting 4 to 72 hours
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Aura and visual disturbances that may include flashes of light, blind spots, zigzag lines, or temporary blindness in one eye

These symptoms can occur either before or during a migraine pain attack. The aura only lasts a few minutes to an hour. However, the visual disturbances last longer. If this happens, you could be experiencing an ocular migraine (commonly called an "ocular" headache). Dizziness and vertigo also may occur during this phase of your migraine episode.

Seizure

A seizure refers to an involuntary episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that temporarily disturbs its normal function. 

The effects of seizures depend on where they begin in the brain and what happens during them. Thankfully, the episodes only cause temporary effects.

Studies explain that seizures often stem from the following: 

  • Congenital disabilities
  • Injuries to the head
  • Infections such as meningitis
  • Certain metabolic diseases like diabetes that lead to very high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
  • Poisoning with drugs or other toxins such as poison
  • Strokes — either large strokes affecting one side of the brain or small ones called "silent strokes" occurring without apparent symptoms

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines and other headaches, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Medications for Migralepsy

Doctors mainly prescribe a combination of medications for migraine and epilepsy to patients diagnosed with migralepsy. 

Migraine medications include triptans like sumatriptan (Imitrex) and ergotamines like dihydroergotamine (DHE). Triptans work by constricting blood vessels, while DHE helps provide relief by constricting blood vessels and stimulating the release of serotonin.

As for epilepsy medications, patients mostly take anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and topiramate to control seizures. And while they're usually effective on their own, physicians sometimes also prescribe muscle relaxants to help the body cope with dizziness or vertigo.

It's important to always talk with your doctor before starting any new medication. They might also recommend lifestyle changes that could help reduce your migraines, such as stress management techniques or a healthy diet plan.

 

Consult with a Trusted Chiropractor For Migraine Relief in Carmel

Migraines can be debilitating, so it's crucial to find a dedicated and professional healthcare practitioner. You want someone knowledgeable regarding your condition and can help you manage your migraines and other symptoms. There are various options available, including headache specialists and an upper cervical chiropractor. 

Now, you may be wondering:

"How can a neck chiropractor help relieve symptoms of migralepsy?"

"What is the relationship between migraines, epilepsy, and proper posture?"

"Is it really worth visiting an upper cervical doctor for migraine relief in Carmel?"

The answer to these questions lie in the delicate nature and design of the C1 and C2 bones. 

We always remind our patients that the topmost neck bones are highly susceptible to shifting away from the body's central axis. They have a different shape that permits a wide range of motion. 

When you apply even the slightest pressure on the cervical spine, the bones can shift and compromise the rest of the vertebral bones. Additionally, they can press on nerve and muscle tissues and later on trigger problems like migraines – and in rare cases, epilepsy.  

Naturally, by fixing the posture problem, you can cancel out the side effects and lessen your risks for various health complaints. 

And what better way to rectify the situation than to seek upper cervical care?

 

Dr. Flory is Here to Help You!

Dr. Flory has committed to providing quality patient care and sustainable migraine relief in Carmel for several years. Hence, if you have migralepsy, you might find it helpful to seek out help. Get your neck bones examined and determine if you indeed have postural imbalances.

This way, you can start planning how to cope better with your debilitating migraine and epilepsy episodes. 

Our upper cervical doctor, Dr. Tymothy Flory, would be happy to check your C1 and C2 bones for subluxation and provide precise chiropractic adjustments. To book your appointment with Dr. Flory, you can contact our practice at (463) 243-0300, email, or online.

 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Flory, call our Carmel office at 463-223-8227. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

It's a Conversation, Not a Commitment

Book an Appointment Now!

Speak directly with a doctor to find out if we can help you. Let's make sure you get the help you need. Click the button.
Restoring health naturally and enhancing quality of life through gentle, proven, and highly effective spinal care.
Contact Details
12289 Hancock St Suite 35, Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 463-223-8227
Email Us: Click Here
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
8:00am-11:00am
12:30pm-3:30pm
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram Skip to content