confusional migraine vs seizure

[snw1830]

Several weeks ago my 11 yr old daughter was diagnosed with a confusional migraine. We followed up with tests with opthamolgist (findings normal) MRI and MRA (Normal) EEG she has 2 abnormal peaks lasting less than 2 seconds. Now we have to schedule a video EEG. I am concerned. Since the original eposoide she has had 2 visual eposoides lasting 20 min or less after motrin was given both not resulting in the headache she originally experienced. I am very concerned that she is developing epilepsy. How will they distinguish between migraine or seizure.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

I understand that you are very worried and anxious about this. At this point, I can not give you an explanation on why the EEG's are abnormal. It requires a thorough understanding of your child's case to be able to give you an answer.

The good thing here is your child has been episode free. Try as much as possible to keep your child away from loud noises and bright lights. Extreme stress or emotions should also be kept at a minimum .The scans appeared to be normal so this should offer some relief. I know I am trying to point out the brighter side of the situation here .It is necessary to be proactive about this. Communicate with your child and try to observe how this is affecting her also. While waiting for the next consult, you may want to keep a diary or journal regarding your child's activities. As seizures are a differential here, keeping track of her daily activities may be of help later on.

[snw1830]

She had her video EEG it also was abnormal. She has had nothing happen except the confusional migraine in Jan. We don't see the neurologist until july 1. I am going crazy. Why are the EEgs abnormal

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

The video EEG will be able to help differentiate btween the migraine aura or an underlying epileptic aura. The presence of spikes and waxing and waning patterns may suggest a migraine aura.A migraine aura may sometimes present with spike activities almost smilar to a seizure. However ,EEG reading is a complex procedure that requires an expert to properly diagnose the underlying diagnosis.Some migraines may be associated with a an existing seizure disorder and this may be evident in the EEG as subtle changes in the EEG patterns.

I understand your fears .Let us just hope that the EEG result will come out fine.


is. i understand your fears , but EEG reading is a complex process and EEG readings do not have a distinct presentation for migraines. However, s