Table of Contents
Introduction
Among migraines, there are many types. A rare and challenging type of migraine, known as hemiplegic migraine, can make one side of your body stop moving or can weaken it. Both patients and doctors may get confused because of its uncertainty. As a result, there can be frequent misinterpretation and misdiagnosis of this condition. It can be challenging to live with chronic migraines, but hemiplegic migraineurs may experience much more severe effects. In this article, one will go into the realm of hemiplegic migraine, looking at its signs, causes, possible side effects, and available treatments.
What Is a Hemiplegic Migraine?
A hemiplegic migraine is a type of migraine that does not happen to many people. Only a tiny number, about 0.01 percent of people, might get it. It is also called a migraine with aura (a type of sensory change that occurs before or during the headache). This kind of migraine is different from others and can make one side of your body feel weak and hard to move. That’s called hemiplegia. This body weakness can occur before or along with the headache. Even though it’s not super dangerous, it can look like a stroke, which happens when the brain doesn’t get enough blood. But don’t worry, it’s not the same! Doctors can diagnose it.
What Are the Types of Hemiplegic Migraines?
There are two types of hemiplegic migraines.
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Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM): This type runs in the family. It is an autosomal dominant condition (which means a single mutated gene is enough to cause it). There are three subtypes (FHM1, FHM2, and FHM3) caused by three different genes.
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Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine (SHM): This kind can happen to anyone, even if no one in their family has ever had it. Doctors aren’t exactly sure why it happens, but they think it’s because of a new genetic mutation (sporadic mutation).
Symptoms of Hemiplegic Migraines
Here is what might happen:
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Muscle weakness or not being able to move one side of the body, which may feel for a while. Headache may occur before or during the weakness.
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You may see flashing lights, zigzag lights, or blind spots. Sometimes, there may be vision loss, too!
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Tingling sensation in the arms or legs.
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Not being able to speak correctly (difficulty in speaking).
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Feeling dizzy.
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Losing balance.
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Feeling confused.
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Other symptoms like fever, seizures, throwing up, or even fainting can also happen.
Good news? These symptoms usually last a few hours to days or weeks but mostly go away.
Causes and Triggers of Hemiplegic Migraines
Although the precise causes of hemiplegic migraine are still unknown, evidence suggests the involvement of both environmental and hereditary factors. It is thought to happen because of cortical spreading depression (CSD). CSD is like a wave of electricity moving through the brain. This wave temporarily messes up the blood flow and how the nerve works. When this CSD occurs in the cerebral cortex (outer part of the brain), it can cause all those symptoms! Furthermore, abnormal functioning of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and glutamate can also cause these attacks.
Some genes can be linked to hemiplegic migraine, particularly the familial type. The main genes that can play a part are ATP1A2, CACNA1A, and SCN1A. However, not everyone who suffers from hemiplegic migraine has a family history of the disorder, suggesting that other variables might be involved.
Environmental factors or triggers linked to the onset of hemiplegic migraines include stress, hormone fluctuations, specific foods, injury to the head, seeing bright lights, skipping meals, over-exercising, menstruation, changes in weather, and sleep difficulties. Since these triggers differ from person to person, pinpointing the exact causes can be difficult.
Hemiplegic Migraine vs. Stroke – When to Seek Emergency Help
Hemiplegic migraine can look a lot like a stroke because it can make one side of your body weak. But they are not the same! There is a difference between hemiplegic migraine and stroke. In migraine, the symptoms start slowly and go away in a short time, whereas in stroke, the symptoms come suddenly, which can cause long-lasting damage if not treated. Migraine occurs because of a mix-up in the electrical activity in the brain, whereas strokes happen because of disruption in the blood flow.
If someone suddenly feels weak on one side, gets really confused, or faints, it’s very important to get help fast!
Diagnosis and Tests
The diagnosis process includes physical examination, diagnostic tests, and clinical history. The International Headache Society has set diagnostic criteria that include two migraine attacks with aura, motor weakness, or paralysis lasting minutes to days, and the presence of at least one type of aura, symptoms of which last from 5 to 60 minutes.
Doctors can use genetic tests to check for genes that might cause hemiplegic migraines. One such test is called the familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) panel. It looks at certain genes to see if they might be causing the migraines.
In a few other cases, CT (computed tomography), EEG (electroencephalogram), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or lumbar puncture may be used to check for other conditions.
Treatment Options for Hemiplegic Migraines
Managing hemiplegic migraine treatment includes stopping current attacks and reducing the symptoms.
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NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), triptans, and antiemetics are a few examples of drugs that can be administered during an attack to manage nausea and vomiting, lessen inflammation, and relieve pain.
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Nerve blocks or intravenous medicine may be required for severe attacks. Botulinum toxin is usually injected around the head where the pain occurs.
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Healthcare professionals may recommend beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiepileptic medications to patients as a preventive step to stop these episodes in the future.
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In a few other cases, CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) inhibitors may be used to manage it.
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Other lifestyle changes that can help avoid migraines include stress reduction, recognizing and avoiding migraine triggers (maintaining a migraine diary to avoid the triggers), physical activity, eating well, and getting enough sleep. Furthermore, stress-relieving techniques are also helpful.
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A few natural remedies that are helpful in managing hemiplegic migraine are taking vitamins, acupuncture, massages, trying essential oils, eating ginger, trying yoga, etc.
Long-Term Outlook and Prevention
As one age, migraines usually get better and may occur rarely. Especially in women, the severity of migraines may stop after menopause. However, some migraines may have an increased intensity because of untreated causes or lifestyle factors. If migraines are not taken care of, they might get worse and turn into headaches occurring almost every day.
Some preventive measures include:
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Identifying and avoiding things that can start the headaches.
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Sleeping well.
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Being hydrated and eating well-balanced meals.
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Managing stress.
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Taking preventive medications.
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Getting regular exercise.
Living With Hemiplegic Migraines - Tips and Support?
Managing life with hemiplegic migraine can be scary, but do not worry! By taking simple steps, you can prevent it and feel better. Find out what makes your migraines start and try to stay away from them, eat good food, stay hydrated, and sleep well. Try managing stress and doing things that make you happy. Take immediate measures when an attack comes. Let your family and friends know about your condition so they can support you. Keep getting monitored by the doctor regularly, who can adjust the treatment plans.
Conclusion:
Hemiplegic migraine is a rare kind of migraine that can feel scary and make daily life harder. But don’t worry, it’s not a serious disease! Even though it can be tough, there are ways to manage it and feel better. Telling your friends and family about it, making healthy choices for yourself, and taking the right meds can help with your migraine. With the right care and treatment, you can reduce the attacks and do the things you love!
Key Takeaway From iCliniq
Living with hemiplegic migraine can be overwhelming, and it might make you worried. But remember, you are not alone! If your symptoms start getting worse or don’t go away for a long time, don’t wait to ask for help! Call emergency services. Doctors can check what’s wrong and give you the right medicine to help you feel better. Prioritize your well-being and take proactive steps.
