Ictal headache 685130 101370821 2007-01-17T17:57:10Z CKlunck 112041 copyedit '''Ictal headaches''' are [[headache]]s associated with [[seizure]] activity. They may occur either before (pre-ictal) or after (post-ictal) a seizure, and in rare circumstances during a seizure. Many cases of ictal headache may be misdiagnosed as [[migraine]] with [[Aura (symptom)|aura]], or even [[cluster headache]]. However, while these conditions usually involve just one side of the head (are [[unilateral]]), an ictal headache may be centrally situated or cover the entirety of the head. Severity of ictal headaches can vary from a slight pressure or "cloud" to an intensity far beyond migraine. Some have called it a "suicide headache" in the worst instances. Temporary blindness may also occur in some cases. Ictal headaches can often be controlled with [[anticonvulsant]]s. Symptoms besides headache may be either present or absent, and may include unusual thoughts or experiences. In these cases it is especially important to obtain a correct diagnosis. Many people with these experiences are accidentally diagnosed with conditions such as [[psychosis]] or [[schizophrenia]] and given [[antipsychotic]] medications, which may actually increase seizure activity. An [[Electroencephalography|EEG]] is recommended to detect other signs of [[epilepsy]]. Even when an EEG does not prove determinative, anticonvulsants may be a first line of treatment if these symptoms are present with headache. == See also == * [[Headache]] * [[Epilepsy]] == External links == * [http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1063754930.html Seizures and Headaches: They Don't Have to Go Together] [[Category:Headaches]]