22-07-2025
How Our Brain Controls Migraines, Seizures And Mood: Know From Experts
Dr. Khushbu Goel, Head & Consultant, Stroke Care Programme & Management and Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, shares all you need to know:
What is the neurological connection between migraines and seizures?
Epilepsy is a disorder in which neurons in the brain sometimes send incorrect signals, causing seizures. Migraines, on the other hand, occur when overstimulation of brain cells triggers a wave of electrical activity, followed by a sudden crash. This wave disrupts nearby nerves, causing pain and heightened sensitivity.
The most evident similarity between migraines and epilepsy is that both are neurological disorders with overlapping mechanisms—particularly neuronal hyperexcitability and cortical spreading depression (CSD). Patients are typically asymptomatic between attacks, but sudden episodes can occur without warning.
Other key similarities include:
Neuronal hyperexcitability
Cortical spreading depression (CSD)
Shared genetic predisposition
Common triggers (like stress, sleep deprivation, or hormonal changes)
Comorbidity (the conditions often occur together)
Medication and clinical overlap
Why does timely diagnosis matter?
Neurological symptoms such as persistent headaches, unexplained fainting spells, or mood changes should never be ignored. Left untreated, these conditions can interfere with daily functioning and pose serious health risks.
Studies published by the National Library of Medicine have shown an 80% increase in the lifetime prevalence of migraines among patients with epilepsy, confirming that these conditions often coexist. However, despite their comorbidity, treatment approaches differ.
Migraines can often be managed with medications, lifestyle adjustments, and therapies.
Epilepsy may require more invasive treatments such as resective surgery or Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), where the part of the brain responsible for seizures is surgically removed or treated to reduce seizure frequency.
How does the brain respond to epilepsy or migraines?
Patients diagnosed with epilepsy or migraines are more likely to experience mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. These are not merely emotional responses to living with chronic illness—they are often biologically intertwined with the brain's electrical and chemical activity.
The following factors explain the connection:
Chemical messengers such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate regulate mood, pain, and cognition. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters can lead to migraines, seizures, or mood disturbances.
Chronic stress can structurally and chemically alter the brain, increasing its sensitivity to triggers.
Sleep plays a crucial role in resetting neurotransmitter levels. Sleep deprivation is a common trigger for seizures, migraines, and mood swings.
