WHAT IS HEMIPLEGIC MIGRAINE?
The word “Hemiplegia” means paralysis. So, “Hemiplegic” can be defined as paralysis on one side of the body.
A hemiplegic migraine is a very rare type of migraine that causes weakness or even paralysis on one side of the body. People who have a migraine atmosphere at their place are more prone to these types of headaches, but there are other factors that can increase the risk of hemiplegic migraine, too.
According to research, Hemiplegic migraine can affect those people who get migraine with aura. This hemiplegic migraine is a rare variety of migraine with aura that include visual symptoms, like zigzag patterns, and flashes of light that happen before or during a migraine. Aura also includes other sensory and speaking problems. People with hemiplegic migraine, weakness, or paralysis can also happen as part of the aura.
TYPES OF HEMIPLEGIC MIGRAINE
There are two types of hemiplegic migraine based on a family history of migraine. These types are :
- Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM). This type of migraine affects at least two close relatives in the same family. Familial hemiplegic migraine or FHM is the form that happens in families. When this migraine occurs, at least two or more people in the family experience weakness, or dizziness on one side of the body as a symptom of the hemiplegic migraine. On average 60% of children develop this migraine who have a parent with hemiplegic migraine
- Sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM). This type of migraine can affect people who don’t have any family history of migraine. Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine or SHM is considered when a person is facing symptoms of FHM but doesn’t have an inherited family connection. The cause of SHM is probably due to ‘sporadic’ gene mutations. For most people, the aura symptoms last around an hour to a day but can last longer
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEMIPLEGIC MIGRAINE?
Some of the symptoms of hemiplegic migraine are :
- weakness on one side of the body, including the arm, face, and leg
- Tingling in the affected side of the face or limb
- Light flashes, double vision, or other vision disturbances
- Trouble speaking or slurred speech or confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
Some more serious symptoms of hemiplegic migraine are :
- Control lost over the movement
- Decreased consciousness
- Memory loss
- Coma
The above-mentioned symptoms can last from a few hours to a few days, but memory loss can sometimes continue for years. Symptoms are similar to a stroke, so this can be a frightening experience.
WHAT CAUSES HEMIPLEGIC MIGRAINE?
The brain depends on a combination of electrical and chemical signals to function. When a nerve impulse (electrical) of sufficient strength passes down from one nerve cell towards another, it opens a so-called ‘channel’ that acts like a ‘gate’. This process releases neurotransmitters (or chemical messengers) which contact the neighboring cells and tell them how to respond. When the neurotransmitters of the brain are not working properly or may be released in an abnormal way, then hemiplegic migraine causes.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE HEMIPLEGIC MIGRAINE?
Doctors can diagnose hemiplegic migraine by the symptoms and family history evaluation.
Some tests are recommended by the doctor to confirm the disease. The tests are :
- CT scan – In a CT Scan, X-rays are used to create internal images of the body and brain
- MRI scan –In this strong magnets and radio waves are used to take pictures of the inside of the body
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) – An electrical activity in the brain is measured by EEG
- Echocardiogram(ECG) – An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart
If anyone has one or more family members with hemiplegic migraine, the Doctor might suggest genetic testing.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR HEMIPLEGIC MIGRAINE
If anyone has been diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine our Specialty Care Clinic specialist advice is recommended. Our specialists will provide you with the most appropriate treatments.
Some important treatment ways are :
- Triptan medicines are best avoided during the aura phase of SHM or FHM
- Many of the flunarizine drugs used to treat classic migraine also work for hemiplegic migraine
- Our doctor will prescribe both preventive and abortive medication
Preventive medications for hemiplegic migraine are meant to prevent migraine before they happen, and abortive medications help to stop migraine episodes as it‘s happening.
If anyone has frequent or severe migraine issues along with one side of body pain and needs to take medicines to prevent further attacks. Connect with us at Specialty Care Clinic platform to discuss the drug that would be right.
As we understand how dangerous hemiplegic migraine can be. Our experts at Specialty Care Clinic are always there to help you to cope with hemiplegic migraine. Our specialist provides you with the best methods for hemiplegic migraine management. If anyone of you has hemiplegic migraine-related symptoms, connect with us at 469-545-9983.