Hemiplegic Migraine

Hemiplegic migraine

        The hemiplegic migraine is always painful and disruptive, but very rarely the symptoms can be very severe and terrifying. Examples of severe symptoms are those of stroke which may include dizziness, loss of motor control and one sided paralysis. However, the hemiplegic migraine symptoms, unlike typical migraine symptoms can persist for days or even weeks. It is very important to know that there are treatments for this kind of migraine and strategies to help avoiding them.

       Hemiplegic migraine is a severe form of migraine with aura. Aura is a brain dysfunction which precedes a migraine headache, and possibly may involve chemical imbalances in a side of the brain, especially the one responsible for the vision. When you experience a migraine with aura, the aura usually occurs 5 to 90 minutes before the headache. Rarely, the aura can continue with the duration of the headache.

        The symptoms of migraine with aura include visual disturbances, like flashing light or parts of diminished vision. At the hemiplegic migraine the aura is much more intense and severe, and may cause temporary paralysis or numbness on one part of the body, or a loss of control. The persons who experience it, they also have symptoms such as dizziness, visual disorders, involuntary eye moment, deficits or attention and loss of memory.

       You need to know that hemiplegic headaches can cause damage to the brain. This fact is not yet understood completely, but some experts link the hemiplegic headaches to stroke and coma. Studies have shown that the more intense, severe and frequent are these migraines, the more likely the patient will suffer severe consequences.

Hemiplegic migraine types

       This migraine type can be divided into two types: familial hemiplegic migraine and sporadic hemiplegic migraine. The familial type is inherited. Experts have identified three different gene mutations that are associated with familial hemiplegic migraines. The familial type means having a relative, such as a parent or child, who has experienced this kind of migraine.

       The symptoms of sporadic hemiplegic migraine are the same to those of familial hemiplegic migraine, but do not involve family history of the disease. This migraine may occur around the age of 17, but can vary from 1 to 45 years of age. This depends on each person. Studies have shown that only one from 10.000 persons suffers from familial hemiplegic migraine. The sporadic ones are even less common. It affects only one in every 20.000 persons.

       If the symptoms are so closely linked with family history, experts recommend genetic counseling for those with familial hemiplegic migraines. Studies have shown that if one parent is affected, their children will have one in two chances to inherit this disease.

Treatment

       Most doctors still treat the hemiplegic migraine with typical migraine medications including beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, both are commonly used for treating high blood pressure. The medications that contract the arteries and veins should not be used in treating hemiplegic headaches, due to the fact that they may increase the risk of stroke. It is important to know that all medications like dietary supplements and herbal remedies have some potential side effects, so it is best to talk to a specialist before you start your treatment.