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Can migraines occur before focal seizures?

Yes, migraines and epilepsy are connected conditions that often occur together. People with epilepsy are about twice as likely to experience migraines compared to the general population. Migraines can happen before, during, or after seizures.

What you're describing sounds like it Show Full Answer

Can migraines occur before focal seizures?

Yes, migraines and epilepsy are connected conditions that often occur together. People with epilepsy are about twice as likely to experience migraines compared to the general population. Migraines can happen before, during, or after seizures.

What you're describing sounds like it could have been a focal seizure with impaired awareness (previously called a complex partial seizure). During this type of seizure, you may not interact with your environment normally and often won't remember what happened during the event - which matches your experience of not remembering your son leaving. Important shared triggers:

Epilepsy and migraine share many of the same triggers, including:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Alcohol
- Hormonal changes

So while your migraine didn't necessarily "cause" the focal seizure, both conditions may have been triggered by the same underlying factor affecting you that day.

Next steps:

Please contact your neurologist about this episode, especially since you experienced memory loss during it. They can help determine if this was indeed a focal seizure and whether your treatment plan needs adjustment. They can also help manage both your seizures and migraines together.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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