Hemiplegic migraine

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Hemiplegic migraine
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Migraine with aura, hemiparesis, visual disturbances, aphasia, ataxia
Complications	N/A
Onset	Typically in childhood or adolescence
Duration	Symptoms can last from a few hours to several days
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutations in CACNA1A, ATP1A2, or SCN1A genes
Risks	Family history of hemiplegic migraine
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, genetic testing
Differential diagnosis	Stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Acute treatment with analgesics, antiemetics, and triptans; preventive treatment with calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, and beta blockers
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies; some individuals experience frequent attacks, while others have few
Frequency	Rare; estimated to affect 0.01% of the population
Deaths	N/A

Hemiplegic Migraine is a rare and severe type of migraine headache. This condition is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms including motor weakness, visual disturbances, and other neurological symptoms that are similar to those of a stroke.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Hemiplegic Migraine often begin with a migraine aura, which can include visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or a temporary loss of vision. This is followed by a severe, throbbing headache that usually occurs on one side of the head. Other symptoms can include:

• Temporary paralysis (hemiplegia) on one side of the body prior to or during the headache. This can last for several hours to several days.
• Vision changes
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Causes

The exact cause of Hemiplegic Migraine is unknown, but it is believed to be related to changes in the genes. Some people with this condition have a family history of migraines, suggesting that genetics may play a role.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Hemiplegic Migraine is based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. A physical and neurological examination may also be performed. In some cases, imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for Hemiplegic Migraine is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing future attacks. This can include medications to treat the headache and nausea, as well as lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers and managing stress.

See Also

• Migraine
• Headache
• Stroke