Migraine with aura and photosensitive epileptic seizures: a case report

An 18-year-old female presented with two seizures induced by photic stimulation. She had a positive family history for migraine and a history of febrile convulsions. Since the age of 13 she had suffered from migraine attacks with aura. A brain computerized tomography with contrast enhancement was negative and several electroencephalograms showed a photoparoxysmal response. At the age of 18 she had a partial secondary generalized seizure after photic stimulation during routine electroencephalogram. The onset of seizure was in the occipital region. Two days later, the patient presented with a typical migrainous attack with aura. Interictal apomorphine test (1.5 mg s.c.) blocked the photoparoxysmal response. According to Quesnay, dopaminergic failure of the occipital cortex may account for both epileptic and migraine features.