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An  epileptic headache  (EH; called also "ictal epileptic headache", IEH ) is a cephalic pain caused by an epileptic event, i.e. it is a type of epileptic painful seizure ,. An epileptic seizure is the clinical manifestation of an abnormally excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the [[brain]]. The manifestations of this abnormal activity are very different in relation to the group of neurons involved (for example: motor symptoms such as convulsions, consciousness disorders such as absences , sensory disturbances, etc). In the case of EH, neurons responsible for painful sensations related to the head are involved, causing a head-ache.

EH may be the initial phase (so-called " aura ") of an epileptic seizure, which then continues with other manifestations, for example convulsions.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The characteristics and location of the pain in EH can be different: sometimes migraine -like with or without aura, sometimes tension -type, sometimes indefinable. Therefore, they do not give any useful indication for the diagnosis when EH is an isolated event ("pure EH" ), i.e. not followed by other manifestations that clarify its epileptic nature. Diagnosis of an isolated EH requires an EEG recording during headache, showing epilepsy-compatible discharges that coincide with the onset and cessation of the headache. An episode of EH may last for seconds, but even for days (headache/ status epilepticus )).

The so-called "hemicrania epileptica" is a variant of EH characterized by the ipsilaterality of head pain and EEG paroxysms.

MRI is necessary to establish the cause, which, as in all focal epilepsies, can be varied: malformations / dysplasias, neoplasms , encephalopathies , trauma , vasculopathies ]]

Therapy.

It depends on the etiology. During the headache, like most seizures , i.v. benzodiazepines are usually effective. Antiepileptic drugs can be used as preventive.

== References ==