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Migraines and Epilepsy

Mon, 02/07/2005 - 11:56
My Son has been suffering from Migranes from the time he was born. He was a colic-y baby and threw up daily for 2 1/2 years. Finally we had an allergist explain to us that he suffered from food intolerances and Migraines. The migraines made the poor kid sick to his stomach. We were surprised to learn that such a young child could have migraine headaches. We went through the process of an elimination diet and found that he had a problem with Legumes (Soy, Peanuts, peas) and reacted to MSG and Aspertame. After a few years we became less strict about what he ate. He ate anything, but we did notice that after long periods (a couple of weeks) of having something with Aspertame as an ingredient ( gum, breath freshener) he would have a 2 or 3 day migrane. Almonds almost always caused a migraine within a day. He developed asthma at about 9 years old. We treated the asthma with a steroid puffer at about 11 years old and it dissappeared.He still suffered from Migraines and began having Auras with them. We did not modify his diet alot at this time but would have him stop eating peanuts, almonds, aspertame and MSG.He had his first TC seizure at 13. He had been having Myoclonic Jerks for perhaps a year before, but we did not know what they were and were not concerned about them.He began taking Lamictal at 14. The pleasant side effect was that he never had headaches. Topamax, and Mysoline and Phenobarbitol all seem to take care of the headaches.For the past few years he ate anything including the forbidden foods.Recently his epilepsy has become a serious problem. He no longer has Myoconic Jerks, but has TC seizures and they have been frequent (~ 2 -3 a week)We have eliminated all sorts of alergens from his diet recently with varying success.We have most recently learned that he should eliminate foods high in Tyramine from his diet, many of which he was still consuming ( pepperoni, salami, bacon).Our nutritionist has recommended the restricted Tyramine diet because he suffers from both migraines and Epilepsy.He still only has headaches after seizures.For the most part, Ibuprofene, will take the headache away for him (including the migraines) and if it is really bad, both ibuprofene and acetaminophene (high dose) will make things bearable.Has anyone else had similar experiences?

Comments

RE: Migraines and Epilepsy

Submitted by pilia on Tue, 2004-11-09 - 07:12
I am 35 and have my first TC Seizure about three weeks ago.  Following I've had several partial seizures.  Ever since the seizures started, I have had an ongoing headache which usually turns into a migraine by bedtime.  It's horrible and my life doesn't feel my own.  I had a near fatal car accident two years ago, so mine (I am gathering) are from serious head trauma.  I am all new at this, but I can definitely relate to the migraines.  Your son is lucky to have a mom that cares like you.  Hang in there.

RE: RE: Migraines and Epilepsy

Submitted by beautimouslove on Mon, 2004-11-15 - 02:33
migraines have haunted me for about 2 years now.  i started having seizures 10 mo ago and my first tonic seizure 2 days ago.  i have not been to a dr yet, but am calling one in the a.m. i now have migraines some hours before my seizure/s. i have not had any physical trauma to cause mine.

RE: RE: RE: Migraines and Epilepsy

Submitted by Julie17 on Sat, 2005-02-05 - 10:28

I am 17 years old and have had migraine headaches for about 5 or 6 years now.  I started getting my seizures in May it was very scary and confusing!  I also miss a lot of school because of these headaces and when i do go to school it is very hard to consentrate!  I don't know if any of you other girls have your period when you get a seizure i usually do!  Now My Dr. has to try to figure out if that is why i am having these seizures.  She also might think that my migraines are a trigger for the seizures!  So we have to discuss this more with the Dr. when i see her next.  I hve been sad latey, just because of how many migaine headaches i get and the seizures.  so i just need so one to talk to about all of this stuff going on in my life!

I am 17 years old and have had migraine headaches for about 5 or 6 years now.  I started getting my seizures in May it was very scary and confusing!  I also miss a lot of school because of these headaces and when i do go to school it is very hard to consentrate!  I don't know if any of you other girls have your period when you get a seizure i usually do!  Now My Dr. has to try to figure out if that is why i am having these seizures.  She also might think that my migraines are a trigger for the seizures!  So we have to discuss this more with the Dr. when i see her next.  I hve been sad latey, just because of how many migaine headaches i get and the seizures.  so i just need so one to talk to about all of this stuff going on in my life!

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