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Seizures l: Introduction

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

Postictal headache.

Dana Ekstein¹, Steven C Schachter

¹Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. danaek@ekmd.huji.ac.il

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B

|September 11, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Postictal headache (PIH), a common seizure complication, often mimics migraine and affects quality of life. Identifying risk factors and understanding shared epilepsy and headache mechanisms are key for better management.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Epileptology
Headache Medicine

Background:

Postictal headache (PIH) is a frequent complication following seizures, often presenting with migraine-like features.
It significantly impacts the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.
Risk factors include young adulthood, history of interictal headaches, epilepsy onset age, seizure duration, drug resistance, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and occipital epileptic foci.

Purpose of the Study:

To define postictal headache (PIH) based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
To review the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors associated with PIH.
To highlight the impact of PIH on epilepsy patients and discuss potential undertreatment and management.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis of existing clinical and investigational findings on postictal headaches and epilepsy.
Analysis of diagnostic criteria for PIH from the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
Identification and summary of risk factors and pathophysiological links between epilepsy and headache.

Main Results:

PIH is defined as headache developing within 3 hours post-seizure, resolving within 72 hours, with features of tension-type or migraine headache.
PIH is prevalent, often moderate to severe, prolonged, and migraine-like.
Young adults with epilepsy, particularly those with specific seizure types and epilepsy characteristics, are at higher risk.

Conclusions:

PIH is a significant and often undertreated consequence of seizures, frequently resembling migraine.
Understanding shared pathophysiological mechanisms between epilepsy and headache is crucial.
Further research into the underlying mechanisms and effective treatments for PIH is warranted.