How to Recognize Symptoms of Hemaplegic Migraine

There are millions of migraine sufferers. Among them, a small amount suffers from a rare form of migraine that is sometimes called “complicated” or “complex.” It is better known, however, as hemaplegic migraine. It gets its name from the fact that it causes mild to severe temporary paralysis in a certain region of the body. It can take many forms. It can prevent the individual from moving their limbs. It can affect the ability to see or hear, or it can effect the ability to speak.Little is known about this condition which many ways mimics the symptoms of stroke. It comes and goes erratically. It works differently within different people. It can be temporary at the start of the headache or continue throughout its course. Some doctors believe that it has little or no long-term effect on the body. Others believe that the continued weakening of muscles can be cumulative and spell trouble for patients in the long-term. Whatever is its ultimate cause or even its consequences, the numbers of hemaplegic migraines diagnosed each year appears to be on the rise. For that reason, it is important that people have a better understanding of the condition.

Instructions

1. Identify “aura.” This is usually the earliest physical reaction to the onset of migraine. It can present itself in different ways. One aura appears like fireworks going off in front of the eyes. The sparks can be few or they can nearly obscure vision altogether. Another is described as a darkening of vision. It appears as though a gray cloud or dark cloth is placed between the person and whatever she is viewing. A third is called “tunnel vision. It begins like a television screen, with a small black line all around the line of sight. Then, the thickness of the line begins to grow and narrow to resemble a tunnel. Less and less light shines through until little or none at all can be viewed at all. The condition is usually short-term, lasting no more than a few seconds or minutes.

2. Note sensitivity to light and loud sounds. Most migraine sufferers have an extreme sensitivity to one or both of these things. That is one of the earliest exhibited signs of a migraine attack, including hemaplegic migraine.

3. Report audio sensory abnormalities. Hemaplegic migraine suffers often hear a buzzing sound or a ringing in their ears.

4. Recognize confusion. A sudden loss of memory is another symptom of this condition. It can effect the short- or long-term memory or even be somewhat sporadic. Some individuals can identify everything about their lives up to a few minutes before the attack began. Others can talk freely about the past few minutes but can’t recall beyond that. Still others experience holes in their memories. At any rate, it is this temporary loss of memory that creates a fog or sense of confusion. It can last a few minutes or continue until the migraine itself has cleared.

5. Treat nausea and/or vomiting. Because of the extreme pain involved with migraines (hemaplegic included), sufferers have bouts of either or both of these conditions. They can begin at any time during the course of the migraine but are most often exhibited during the height of the problem.

6. Report any kind of numbness, weakness or paralysis of the body to a physician right away. This might manifest itself like “pins and needles” pricking the skin. It could mean that limbs are difficult to move normally. In extreme cases, it can manifest itself as a semi-paralyzed state where whole sections of the body have little or no feeling at all. Such conditions are cause for alarm because they are also associated with stroke.

7. Recognize speech problems. Some hemaplegic migraine sufferers have trouble communicating. The condition is called “aphasia.” It can present itself in one of several ways. For most people, it demonstrates itself as a form of word scrambling. The individual can speak normally. However, the words that are spoken often make little or no sense. In some instances, they can form the right words but they can’t speak them clearly. The speech becomes slurred. In very rare instances, both types of aphasia are exhibited simultaneously.

8. Make record of any fainting spells or blackouts. These are common among some sufferers but are not always part of the equation.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a sleep mask and ear plugs on hand to counteract sensitivity to light and sound.

• Try an ice pack applies to the eyes or forehead to help abate minor symptoms.

• Ask a doctor for nausea medication for migraine bouts.

• Seek the proper type of medication for the severity of the migraine.

• Migraine sufferers should avoid certain types of activities like driving or operating heavy equipment.

• Seek proper diagnosis and treatment from a neurologist.

• Long-term bouts of confusion be a sign that something more serious is happening. Make a doctor's appointment immediately.

• Go to an ER right away if symptoms do not abate quickly.