Hemiplegic Migraine Symptoms

Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of hemiplegic migraines vary between sufferers, with one exception. All individuals with this form of migraine experience some form of temporary physical paralysis or weakness. Typically this paralysis is limited to one side of the body and may be felt as a weakness or heaviness of one side. Hemiplegic migraine sufferers sometimes have additional symptoms such as nausea, confusion, headache, sensitivity to light, fever, coordination difficulty or a migraine aura.

Time Frame

When hemiplegic migraines occur the onset is often sudden, although some people experience warning signs, called an aura, prior to the migraine. An aura is a physical symptom or sensation, such as a disturbance in vision, tingling or drowsiness. An aura may happen a few minutes prior to the onset of a migraine and can last an hour or more. The hemiplegic migraine itself can last anywhere in the range of several hours to several days.

Age

Hemiplegic migraines can first occur at any age, from 1 to 75 years of age. With the hereditary form of hemiplegic migraines, called familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), the first episode often occurs in childhood. When the first episode does appear in childhood, the condition may disappear once adulthood is reached. The average age of onset for both FHM and non-hereditary hemiplegic migraines (called sporadic hemiplegic migraines) is 17.

Considerations

Diagnosing hemiplegic migraines is often extremely difficulty, particularly if the patient has no family history of the condition. Thorough examinations, including multiple diagnostic tests, are often performed on patients presenting with hemiplegic migraine symptoms to rule out the possibility of a stroke. Medications such as triptans, which are commonly prescribed for migraines, should not be taken by those with hemiplegic migraines, as they increase the potential for an actual stroke.

Prevention/Solution

Treatment for hemiplegic migraines aims to reduce the severity of pain and nausea among other symptoms. There is no cure for this form of migraine and episode triggers vary between individuals. Common triggers such as stress, alcohol, chocolate and lack of sleep should be avoided by people with a history of hemiplegic migraines. Anti-nausea medications, pain relievers and rest are often prescribed for individuals during a hemiplegic migraine episode. It is vital that individuals around hemiplegic migraine sufferers are aware of the condition and educated about the illness.