A new study is suggesting that migraines and epilepsy share a genetic link that makes people more susceptible to both conditions. The results of this study was published in the journal Epilepsia.

Previous studies have shown that migraines and epilepsy often happen simultaneously in some patients. This is called “comorbidity.” Studies have also shown that epileptics are more likely to suffer from migraines; however, it is not understood just how comorbidity happens genetically.

“Epilepsy and migraine are each individually influenced by genetic factors,” explains lead author Dr. Melodie Winawer from Columbia University Medical Center in New York. “Our study is the first to confirm a shared genetic susceptibility to epilepsy and migraine in a large population of patients with common forms of epilepsy.”

For this study, Winawer and her colleagues analyzed data that were taken from participants involved in the Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project (EPGP), which studies the genetic link of epilepsy. Their data are collected from families in Canada and the U.S., as well as Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. The researchers were looking at one aspect of EPGP which included pairs of parent/sibling and parent/child that had focal epilepsy or epilepsy in general.

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is often treated with prescription medications, which include anti-seizure drugs like Topamax. Topamax has been linked to babies being born with birth defects, including PPHN, oral clefts, spina bifida and neural tube defects when the mothers take the pills while pregnant. Coincidentally, the drug is also used as an off-label treatment for migraines.

If your baby has suffered from birth defects after being exposed to Topamax in-utero, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Topamax lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your child’s injury.