Hemiplegic Migraine
Hemiplegic migraine is an alternate type of migraine involving weakness on one side of the body.
Symptoms are:
• Throbbing pain in the head prior to or after the onset of weakness
• Sometimes there will be no headache, just weakness
• Weakness on one side of the face, one arm or one leg
• Numbness and "pins and needles"
• Visual problems
• Confusion
• Speech difficulties
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Dizziness
• Sometimes temporary unconsciousness may occur
Not everyone has all the symptoms. Visual problems and speech difficulties only occur if the right side is affected.
Hemiplegic migraines have similar symptoms to a stroke but unlike stroke they will resolve within 24 hours and usually cause no lasting harm to the patient.
Diagnosis
The doctor will need to make sure your symptoms are not stroke, so in addition to taking a medical history he will order a CT scan or an MRI. He will also check your heart and make sure there aren’t any blood clots forming in the neck. If all of these results are negative for stroke or other conditions, you may be diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine.
What Causes Hemiplegic Migraine?
Hemiplegic migraine is caused by a neurotransmitter problem in the brain. The brain produces a specific protein which enables nerve cells to release neurotransmitters.
If the protein isn’t produced, then the nerves cannot release these neurotransmitters and the brain doesn’t receive the right messages. The majority of cases of hemiplegic migraine are genetically inherited and are caused by mutations in the CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and SCN1A genes.
Some cases of hemiplegic migraine are known as sporadic and they occur in the absence of any family history but in some cases are still caused by the same gene mutations. A genetic test is available.
Treatment
Triptans cannot be used as a treatment for hemiplegic migraine because they constrict vessels which could be dangerous with this type of migraine, but anti-inflammatory pain medications, anti-emetics to relief sickness or medications such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants can be used to treat the condition.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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