Migraine; Epilepsy: Their association with hypothyroidism

Summary

• 1. A woman suffering from migraine and epilepsy had two daughters subject to migraine, one with the abdominal type and the other the cephalic. Hypothyroidism, without the picture of myxedema was found in all three. They promptly responded to thyroid replacement therapy.

• 2. Of the many theories regarding etiology, the most plausible is, inherited allergic susceptibility with superimposed exciting causes — endocrine imbalance the most prominent. The frequent low metabolic readings are significant of lowered thyroid function. The symptomatic relief produced by Ergotamine Tartrate may be due to its suddenly boosting endocrine function.

• 3. For the recognition of the hypothyroid state, it is important that basal readings be made as near as possible to an approaching attack and never immediately after.

• 4. We can only hope for ultimate solution of the migraine problem through coordinated investigations, inclusive of all mechanisms possibly concerned in its production, instead of isolated and fragmentary studies by specialists concerned only with enthusiastic revelations in their respective fields, taking no cognizance of the subtle complexities involved.