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Headache and hemiplegic migraineThere's a lot of confusion when it comes to headache and hemiplegic migraine. What exactly is this rare type of migraine, and how do you know you're not dealing with something worse? What is hemiplegic migraine?Headache and hemiplegic migraine sometimes go together, and sometimes don't. Hemiplegia is simply paralysis on one side of the body. Someone with hemiplegic migraine has, as one of their symptoms or perhaps their only symptom, trouble moving one side of their body. Since this is a common stroke symptom, it can be frightening. The symptoms usually occur during the migraine attack and sometimes for a while afterwards. The good news is that the symptoms are only temporary, and are usually gone within 24 hours. (Usually, but not always. Some symptoms may last weeks, but this is less common. If you get a headache, the other symptoms may outlast the headache itself, which is usually short lived.) Sometimes it affects most of the one side of the body, at other times only a part. Other symptoms may go along with it, such as difficulty speaking. There may be numbness, or a prickly feeling. Hemiplegic migraine can start in childhood or adulthood. The same person may get headaches or migraine attacks without the weakness as well. Different types of hemiplegic migraineHeadache and hemiplegic migraine can be broken into a couple of catagories: Need to stay up to date on migraine news? Subscribe to HeadWay - it's free! Treatment of headache and hemiplegic migraineThere are two main challenges when it comes to treating hemiplegic migraine. First, the paralysis or weakness is simply one more symptom, probably among many others, that need to be treated. Generally, the other common painkillers such as NSAIDs, have been tried successfully. Your doctor may also recommend preventative meds, such as calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, or beta blockers. The other good news is that new genetic research is allowing us to diagnose even sporadic hemiplegic migraine more accurately. The genes associated with two types of familial hemiplegic migraine are CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and SCN1A. Gene mutations can cause problems in the body, such as calcium or sodium channel malfunctions, sending wrong signals. For a quick overview of headache and hemiplegic migraine, visit the National Headache Foundation. For more indepth information, check out these articles on familial hemiplegic migraine and sporadic hemiplegic migraine. Remember, if you are experiencing symptoms like this, it is critical to go to your doctor. There are too many possible dangers to ignore these symptoms. Don't delay! References: Headache and Your Child by Dr Seymour Diamond and Amy Diamond; American Council for Headache Education online article Hemiplegic migraine and Headache News: August 2001; Migraines for Dummies by Diane Stafford and Dr Jennifer Shoquist; National Headache Foundation online article Hemiplegic Migraine; Migraine-Associated Vertigo by Dr Robert A Battista; Genes and Migraine by Dr Kathy Lou Gardner; Familial Hemiplegic Migraine by Dr Kathy Lou Gardner, revised 14 December 2004; Familial Hemiplegic Migraine by Dr Joanna C Jen, revised September 2009 |
