Migraine and epilepsy: comorbidity and problems in diagnostics

The purpose of this review is to carry out the analysis of published data on comorbidity of migraine and epilepsy. The review is based on results of epidemiological and genetic studies. Clinical manifestations of two diseases are in many respects similar, which sometimes leads to considerable difficulties in diagnostics. Differential diagnosis is based on careful analysis of clinical manifestations, electroencephalography and neuroimaging data. Genetic forms of epilepsy are often accompanied by migrainous headaches. The unity of some pathophysiological mechanisms of epilepsy and migraine predefines comorbidity and directions of diagnostics and treatment for both diseases. Nevertheless, there is a number of questions which demand more precise answers to improve diagnostics and treatment.