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Hemiplegic migraines are a specialized migraine variant. They come with specific symptoms not seen in common or classic migraines.
There are two types of hemiplegic migraines, familial and sporadic.
Besides the normal migraine symptoms (photophobia, nausea, visual aura, etc..), people with hemiplegic migraines experience some or all of the following:
During the aura phase they may experience:
* The paralysis of the limbs on one side of their body (hemiplegia) * Numbness, tingling. * Motor weakness * Speech impairment (slurring or inability to find a word) * Impaired Consciousness (ranges from confusion to coma) * Fever * Symptoms of Meningitis
The symptoms of hemiplegic migraine can come on very suddenly. Because of this and the severity of these symptoms, and how they mimic many other dangerous problems such as stroke, it is recommended that hemiplegic migraineurs wear a medic alert bracelet.
The paralysis can last the entire length of the headache phase, the headache may start before paralysis begins, or head pain may be absent altogether.
The hemiplegic visual aura can be prolonged, and sometimes may even last weeks.
Currently, many of the abortive medications used in treating classic and common migraines are contraindicated in treating hemiplegic migraine. This is because of the stroke concern, as migraineurs who have such severe headaches with prolonged aura - have a higher stroke risk. For preventative medication, calcium-channel blockers tend to see the most success. So many hemiplegic migraineurs are being prescribed Verapamil, sometimes pairing that with Topamax to lower the frequency of the migraines even further.
It is essential to be working with a headache specialist when you have been diagnosed with hemiplegic migraines.
What else can I help you with?
Can hemiplegic migraine cause a stroke?
Hemiplegic migraines affect a very small percentage of people in the United States. People with hemiplegic migraines experience paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, disturbances in speech and vision, and other symptoms that often mimic a stroke.
What are migraines with paralysis?
A migraine that causes paralysis in one side of the body is called a hemiplegic migraine. There are two kinds: Familial, where you'll have a family history, and sporadic - which can happen to anyone. It becomes very important to get the proper diagnosis of hemiplegic migraine, because if you have this particular kind of migraine you cannot use vasoconstricting medications such as the triptans (Imitrex, Zomig, etc..) or DHE (Dihydroergotamine, also found in Migranal nasal spray.) Normal migraines with aura can also cause numbness and confusion, but they will not cause the paralysis. One of the main forms of prevention for hemiplegic migraines are the calcium-channel blockers, as there may be a faulty gene responsible for the disruption of calcium in the cell, causing neurons to misfire. Verapamil is the only calcium-channel blocker approved for migraine prophylaxis at this time. Generally these medications will be paired with anti-epileptic medications such as Topamax or Zonegran. If you do have hemiplegic migraines, you should be under the care of a headache specialist.
Are seizures ever a part of hemiplegic migraines?
I'm under the impression that hemiplegic migraines are closely related to seizures- I read a paper where an EEG was performed over the course of an episode including before and after and the main notation was the presence of various types of delta waves over the affected side. The very fact that these types of headaches are often prevented/treated within the family of seizure medications seems indicative of their close relation. I'm also under the impression that these things typically get worse, at least without treatment, through 30-40 years of age and then get better as time goes on. I've just been diagnosed with hemiplegic migraines and have many questions unanswered myself. From what I've gathered so far, partial seizures occur more often than the more severe variety, but not a significant portion of the hemiplegic migraine population experience seizure activity. Wikipedia only vaguely indicates that seizures can be present with no direct cite for the statement "It can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as ataxia, coma and epileptic seizures". All in all, it sounds like of migraine sufferers, hemiplegic is on the rarer side, and within that, partial seizures are more prevalent than more involved seizures. I'm mainly hoping that mine does not progress further than it has. Please please correct me if I'm mistaken - I'm a regular joe (read- I am not a doctor) with google. I'm out for the answers too. The simple answer to your question is yes, but I'm afraid I'm not sure on the specifics of prevalence and occurrence rates. Let me know if you find out!
Are Migraines contagious?
No, migraines are not and cannot be contagious.No.
What is sumatriptan?
It is for the relief of migraines and conditions of migraines. And it is NOT a narcotic.
How many different types of migraines are there?
There are at least 5 different types of migraines: food induced (especially related to gluten), withdrawal migraines (related to caffeine or alcohol withdrawal), weather-related migraines, scent-triggered migraines, and migraines triggered by smaller headaches. Learn more about all of these types of migraines and how to prevent them here: http://typesofmigraines.com/
What is sumatriptan succ?
It is for the relief of migraines and conditions of migraines. And it is NOT a narcotic.
What could go wrong with your spinal cord?
It might break and you'll get either Paraplegic, Quadriplegic, or Hemiplegic.
What ages are affected by migraines?
Migraines can begin in infancy and last a lifetime.
Are migraines associated with lupus?
Yes, many people with lupus do have migraines.
Do vitamins help with migraines?
Vitamins can not help with migraines, but they can help to your over health. You would need a pain reliever to help get rid of the pain of migraines.
Can half thyroid removal cause migraines?
can half thyroid removal cause migraines
