Hemiplegic Migraine

What is hemiplegic migraine?

Complicated migraines refer to migraines that cannot be specifically diagnosed. The term also refers to a severe and rare form of headache called hemiplegic migraine. The symptoms of hemiplegic migraines mimic a stroke and can be serious.

What are the signs and symptoms of hemiplegic migraine?

• Visual, auditory, sensory or speech auras
• Throbbing pain on one side of the head
• Tingling feeling in the hand and up the arm
• Numbness on one side of the body
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Loss of balance
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness or coma

How are hemiplegic migraines treated? 

Treatments include anticonvulsant medicines to prevent headaches and reduce pain and calcium channel blocker heart medicines to relax and widen blood vessels.