Migraine and Depersonalization

by Jesse D
(Ontario, Canada)

Since June 2008 I have been suffering from silent migraines with moderate pain, tingling, and burning behind and around the eyes. Occasionally I'll see flashing lights and floaters, and experience some light headedness.

I've also been suffering from depersonalization which has been constant (with varying degrees of intensity) since the beginning of the migraines. I also suffer from sleep paralysis (usually one episode a week). What's strange is that when the migraine is gone, the depersonalization still remains. I haven't been on any medication for these, I've avoided painkillers because they don't solve the main problem: depersonalization. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. Thank you so much.

Answer:

Hi Jesse,

What you are describing is a constellation of symptoms associated with seizures, specifically partial seizures. There is approximately a 5% overlap between incidence of migraine and seizure. In other words, 5% of migraineurs have seizures and 5% of seizure patients have migraines. Migraineurs also have a high incidence of anxiety which can present as depersonalization, as do panic attacks.

Here is a description of simple seizures from the Epilepsy Foundation. Take a look and see if you have any of the other symptoms. If so you need to see a neurologist.

In Ontario, the University of Toronto and Western Hospital of Toronto have good neurology departments. You can also visit the NeuroTalk forum at Neurotalk and see if you can find a neurologist in your area.

Having said all this, don't be afraid of medications as we do use anti-seizure medications to treat migraine, so there is a good chance you may find that one medication will treat several problems.

I recommend that you see your physician as soon as possible for this.

Best of luck!

Mary Kay Betz MS RPA-C