Hey Migraine Mentees 👋 

Today’s newsletter takes 4 minutes and 32 seconds to read, but if you’ve only got 60 seconds, here’s what you need to know:

• Migraine attacks and seizures share similar neurological and inflammatory pathways…

• With that said, they’re still separate conditions but share similar genetics…

• Treatments often overlap due to these similarities…

• While genetics load the “gun,” the environment often pulls the “trigger” for symptoms…

We’ve been posting about this one for a while now and we’ve been generating A LOT of discussions around this topic…

🧠 The Migraine Mentors

First time reading?! Sign up HERE.

In This Week’s Edition…

• 🥡 Weekly Take-Out

  • Meme of The Week - You Shall Not Pass…

• 💣️ This Week’s Sponsor

  • The Neural Connection Clinic - 🥼 You’re Potentially One Step Away From Relief…

• 📸 Weekly TikToks

  • Is Migraine a Different Form of Seizures?

  • Objective VNG (Visual) Testing for Migraine and Headaches

• 🔈️ The Migraine Mentors Minicast - Podcast Series

  • Why Seizures and Migraine Symptoms Are Similar, Yet Different…

• 📜 This Week’s Top Article

  • The Similarities Between Migraine and Seizures…

• 🍴 Migraine-Friendly Recipe of the Week

  • Fresh Frozen Fruit Bars

🥡 WEEKLY TAKE-OUT

Meme of The Week

🫰 CLINIC SPONSOR

The Neural Connection Clinic

The Neural Connection is a world-class Functional Neurology clinic in Edina, MN.

What is Functional Neurology, you ask?!

A functional neurologist is who you see when your medical neurologist says you’re “fine” but you still have symptoms.

🧠 The Neural Connection clinic specializes in holistic migraine, headache, and concussion management by addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms.

By examining you structurally, neurologically, and metabolically, they can provide you with a personalized treatment plan to help you finally regain your health.

But don’t take their word for it…

Here’s one of the 100+ 5-Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Google Reviews from a woman who was having 25 migraines a month (Sound familiar…?):

“I came for migraines and learned so much that Western medicine doesn’t teach you. I’m a primary care doc that left with so much more knowledge.”

👉️ If you’re ready to take the next step and finally find the answers you’ve been looking for, click below to set up a free consultation with one of their doctors!

🥡 WEEKLY TIKTOKS

Is Migraine a Different Form of Seizures?

@themigrainementor

#greenscreen #migraine #migrainerelief #vestibularmigraine #migraines #brain #seizure #seizures #pain #chronicillness

Objective VNG (Visual) Testing for Migraine and Headaches

@headache_whisperer

VNG testing is my favorite way to guide rehab. It tells us what’s not working and how dysfunctional it is. This is hugely important in r... See more

🗞️ MIGRAINE MINICAST

Why Seizures and Migraine Symptoms Are Similar, Yet Different…

Migraine and epilepsy may seem like entirely different conditions, but they share striking similarities in how they affect the brain…

🎧 In this week’s episode, we explore the neurological connection between migraine and epilepsy, examining their overlapping triggers, shared brain pathways, and why certain treatments are effective for both.

We’ll also discuss key insights into how these conditions are managed and what this means for those looking for better treatment options…

👇️ Click the link below to check it out! 👇️ 

📜 TOP ARTICLE

The Similarities Between Migraine and Seizures…

At first glance, migraine and epilepsy seem like completely different conditions—one brings pounding headaches, the other involves seizures.

But what if we told you they share a lot more than you think…?

Both conditions are linked by similar brain activity, genetic factors, and even dietary triggers.

In fact, doctors often describe them as neurological cousins because they affect the brain in many of the same ways.

We’re going to break down why migraine and epilepsy are more connected than most people realize…

🧬 The Genetics - If You Have One, You Might Be Prone to the Other

Ever wonder why migraines or epilepsy seem to run in families?

That’s because both are influenced by genes that affect how brain cells fire and communicate.

Some of the key genes they share control:

➡️ How brain cells send signals (Too much or too little activity can lead to migraine attacks or seizures.)
➡️ How blood vessels work in the brain (Changes in blood flow can trigger both conditions.)
➡️ How the brain processes pain and stress (Making some people more sensitive to attacks.)

If a close family member has migraine symptoms, your brain may already be wired to be extra sensitive to triggers—which is also true for epilepsy.

🌊 Brain Waves & Storms - What’s Really Happening During an Attack

One of the biggest connections between migraine and epilepsy is something called cortical spreading depression (CSD)—a fancy term for a “brain wave disturbance.”

Here’s what happens:

🌀 A sudden wave of overactive brain activity spreads like ripples on a pond.
🌊 It’s followed by a shutdown of brain activity.
⚡ This can lead to migraine aura (flashing lights, tingling, speech trouble) or, in epilepsy, a seizure.

Both conditions involve brain overexcitement, which explains why people with migraines often feel totally wiped out after an attack—just like someone who has had a seizure.

🩸 Blood Flow & Brain Chemistry - The Common Thread

Migraine and epilepsy don’t just share genetics and brain wave disturbances—they also mess with blood flow and brain chemicals in similar ways.

🔹 Blood Flow Changes – In both conditions, the brain’s blood vessels tighten and relax unpredictably, which can lead to pain, dizziness, or even vision problems.

🔹 Too Much Glutamate (The Brain’s Gas Pedal) – This chemical excites brain cells. Too much of it? It’s like flooring the gas pedal on a car with no brakes—leading to either a migraine attack or a seizure.

🔹 Not Enough GABA (The Brain’s Brake Pedal) – This calming chemical helps slow down brain activity. When there’s not enough, the brain becomes overactive, making seizures and migraines more likely.

⚠️ Common Triggers - Why the Same Things Set Off Both Conditions

Because migraine and epilepsy affect the brain in similar ways, it’s no surprise that many of the same things can trigger attacks.

🚨 Top Triggers They Share:

• Lack of sleep (Sleep helps the brain reset. Without it, attacks are more likely.)

• Hormone shifts (Estrogen changes—like during a menstrual cycle—can set off both migraines and seizures.)

• Alcohol & caffeine (They alter brain chemicals and blood flow.)

• Bright or flashing lights (Ever wonder why some people get headaches from strobe lights? This is why.)

• Dehydration & fasting (Not eating or drinking enough can mess with the brain’s balance.)

There’s even a rare condition called migralepsy, where a migraine directly triggers a seizure… Although this is very uncommon!

💊 Why Some Epilepsy Medications Work for Migraines

Because the brain dysfunction in migraine and epilepsy is so similar, some of the same medications work for both.

For example:

✅ Topiramate (Topamax) – Originally made for epilepsy, but doctors found it also helps prevent migraines.
✅ Valproate (Depakote) – Used to stabilize brain activity in both conditions.
✅ CBD & Cannabinoids – Studies show that CBD can calm brain inflammation and reduce both migraines and seizures.

❤️‍🩹 The Takeaway - What This Means for You

If you suffer from migraines, understanding their deep connection to epilepsy can help you:

💡 Recognize shared triggers and avoid things that might set off an attack.
💡 Look at treatment options differently—some epilepsy treatments may work for migraines.
💡 Understand your brain better and why these attacks happen in the first place.

It’s important to understand that while migraine and seizures share these similarities, they’re still different conditions and must be treated that way.

Fortunately for you, most of the treatments that work for one can also work for the other!

🍴MIGRAINE-FRIENDLY RECIPE

Fresh Frozen Fruit Bars

🥣 Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, bananas, or peaches)

• 1 cup coconut water or unsweetened almond milk

• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (if tolerated)

📖 Instructions

1. Blend the fresh fruit and coconut water/almond milk until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for several hours until solid.

3. To serve, run warm water over the outside of the molds to loosen and remove the bars.

🗒️ Notes

• Sweeteners

  • Keep in mind that sweeteners like honey and maple syrup should be used in moderation and may or may not be tolerated by everyone.

• Fruits

  • Fresh fruits are generally safer choices compared to dried fruits due to lower histamine levels.

• Experimentation

  • Always consider personal tolerance levels. Individual responses to certain ingredients can vary based on individual sensitivities, so it may be necessary to adjust ingredients according to what works best for you.

💪 The Health Benefits

Why It’s Migraine and Histamine Friendly

• Fresh and Natural Ingredients

  • This recipe avoids common migraine triggers like chocolate, caffeine, aged dairy, and processed sugars, focusing instead on simple, fresh components.

• No Artificial Ingredients

  • Unlike many store-bought frozen desserts that may contain additives, artificial flavorings, and preservatives—known migraine triggers—these bars rely solely on fresh fruit and natural sweeteners.

• Low-Histamine Base

  • The combination of fresh ingredients minimizes the risk of histamine build-up. Homemade foods avoid the histamines often found in pre-packaged or processed snacks.

• Control of Ingredients

  • You can ensure that every component of the recipe is fresh, thus reducing the risk of histamine reactions that might come from older or fermented ingredients.