The term hemiplegic migraine actually describes the symptoms commonly associated with an extreme, repetitive headache. Hemiplegia describes acute paralysis on one side of the body, which is often confused for stroke-like symptoms. There are two types of hemiplegic migraines, familial, or FHM, and sporadic, or SHM. Both forms occur primarily during childhood. The National Institute of Health, or NIH, discovered that FHM originates from inherited mutations in calcium channels while the cause of SHM has yet to be discovered. In order to receive fast and proper care during a hemiplegic migraine, you should wear a medical alert bracelet that includes your current medication list.
Epilepsy medications
Seizures are a common symptom of hemiplegic migraines that can result in coma or death. Thus, Dr. Brian Loftus, a neurologist and seizure specialist, recommends treating the symptom of epilepsy before worrying about the subsequent migraine, which can be uncomfortable but if far less dangerous. He recommends topomax as an anti-epileptic medication since it has been highly studied and is recommended by the FDA to treat seizure disorders in children. Topomax is especially good for those experiencing hemiplegic migraines since topomax prevents migraines in roughly 50 percent of patients. Common side effects include numbness, kidney stones, and fatigue. All epilepsy medications are expensive and require long-term use, but if you seek to stop using a seizure medication, seek strict medical oversight to prevent any adverse withdraw symptoms.
Calcium Channel Inhibitors
Since familial hemiplegic migraines have been linked to mutations in calcium channel genes, calcium channel blockers are a logical treatment. The NIH suspects that sporadic hemiplegic migraines may arrive from spontaneous mutations in calcium channels. Traditional migraine remedies focus on limiting environmental triggers; however, controlling the environment will not stop imbalances in brain chemicals, according to the Brain and Development Journal. Fluctuations in calcium level control neuronal communications for all types of brain function. In patients with hemiplegic migraines, the brain is not able to adequately control the change in calcium, which induces misfiring of neurons that can cause seizures, stroke, paralysis and confusion. The Brain and Development Journal reports that traditional calcium channel inhibitors have had a significant effect at preventing hemiplegic migraines in clinical trials.
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents have the ability to control the body’s overall blood pressure and subsequently lowering the oxygen and blood used by the heart. The National Migraine Association, or NMA, recommends beta-adrenergic blocking agents to treat the headache phase of the hemiplegic migraine; however, dose must be tightly regulated and overseen by a doctor to ensure that strokes don’t occur. Reducing blood pressure in the brain prevents pain receptors from activating. The NMA indicates that beta-blockers should only be used if extreme, debilitating pain is a problem.
