Living with epilepsy is already hard. But when chronic headaches become part of the picture, things get even more confusing. Many people with epilepsy also struggle with ongoing head pain—especially tension headaches or cluster headaches. It’s not just a coincidence. There’s often a link between seizures and headaches, and it starts with the brain.
Why it happens
Epilepsy and headaches both involve changes in brain activity. A seizure happens when the brain sends out abnormal electrical signals. A headache—especially a migraine or cluster headache—can also involve abnormal nerve activity, blood flow issues, or inflammation. So, when one part of the brain misfires, it can trigger problems in other areas too.
Some people even get headaches before or after a seizure. These are called “pre-ictal” or “post-ictal” headaches. They can feel like pressure, burning, or throbbing, and they usually come on one side of the head.
Stress, sleep, and more
Another reason epilepsy and chronic headaches often show up together? Shared triggers.
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Lack of sleep
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Emotional stress
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Missed medications
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Flashing lights or loud sounds
These things can make both seizures and headaches worse. A person trying to manage epilepsy might be avoiding seizure triggers, but if they’re not sleeping well or are under constant stress, they might still get frequent headaches.
That’s why neurologists in Delhi and elsewhere take a full look at your symptoms. It's not just about controlling seizures with medication. It’s also about improving quality of life—and that includes treating headaches.
What to watch for
Not all headaches are the same. Some people with epilepsy get tension-type headaches, which feel like a tight band around the head. Others get cluster headaches, which cause sharp pain, usually behind one eye. And then there are migraines, which can include light sensitivity, nausea, and visual disturbances.
If your headaches are frequent, painful, or unusual, it’s worth talking to a neurologist. Especially if they happen around the time of a seizure.
What can help
In Delhi, many neurology clinics now offer combined care for both epilepsy and chronic headache disorders. That means your neurologist can help manage seizure medications, adjust doses, and also give you relief options for tension headaches or cluster headaches.
Treatment might include:
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Anti-seizure drugs that also help with migraines
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Lifestyle changes, like sleep tracking and stress reduction
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Diet changes, like avoiding caffeine or processed foods
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Physical therapy or headache-specific medications
It’s not always easy to treat both conditions at once. But it’s possible—and it starts with the right diagnosis.
Final thought
If you or someone you care about has epilepsy and also deals with chronic head pain, don’t ignore it. Your brain is trying to tell you something. And in places like Delhi, there are specialists who understand how epilepsy and headaches work together—and how to treat them together.
Getting help for both can make a big difference in how you feel every day.
