Migralepsy, hemicrania epileptica, post-ictal headache and “ictal epileptic headache”: a proposal for terminology and classification revision
2011

Revising Terminology for Migralepsy and Related Headaches

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Belcastro Vincenzo, Striano Pasquale, Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité Dorotheè G. A., Villa Maria Pia, Parisi Pasquale

Hypothesis

Migralepsy is highly unlikely to exist as a distinct condition and requires a revision of terminology and classification.

Conclusion

The study proposes to delete the term 'migralepsy' and suggests using 'ictal epileptic headache' for cases where headache is the sole ictal manifestation.

Supporting Evidence

  • The term 'migralepsy' is not included in the current ILAE seizure classification.
  • Only two out of 50 potential migralepsy cases met the ICHD-II criteria.
  • Headache can be the sole symptom of a seizure in some individuals.

Takeaway

The researchers think that what we call migralepsy might not really exist, and they want to change how we talk about headaches related to epilepsy.

Limitations

The study is based on existing literature and case reports, which may not fully represent the conditions discussed.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s10194-011-0318-4

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