Hemiplegic migraines are an extreme type of migraine with auras. Paralysis on one side of the body, termed hemiplegia, mimics stroke symptoms. Common symptoms include coma, impaired mobility, vision or speech, and paralysis. Familial, or FHM, and sporadic hemiplegic, or SHM, migraines manifest during childhood and stop in adulthood. The National Institute of Health indicates that dominant mutations in several genes lead to FHM, and genetic screens for children of parents that had FHM are available.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Even though environmental factors commonly instigate traditional migraines, hemiplegic migraines are thought to be resistant to outside stimuli. The Brain and Development Journal indicates that hemiplegic migraines are uniquely neurological in that they emanate from defects in chemical fluctuations in the body. Calcium fluctuations into and out of cells cause neurons to erroneously fire, triggering various abnormal neuronal responses including intense head pain. Thus, calcium channel blockers prevent hemiplegic migraine onset.
Anti-Seizure Medications
Several anti-epileptic medications have shown to successfully prevent migraines; however, the main purpose of taking this medication is to prevent the common seizure symptom associated with hemiplegic migraines. Seizures have serious complications, which include coma; thus, stopping the seizure from occurring is often the first step to treating hemiplegic migraines. For instance, Dr. Brian Loftus, a neurologist who specializes in seizure disorders, recommends topomax as an effective anti-seizure medication that is approximately 50 percent effective at stopping migraines. All anti-seizure medications are expensive and require long-term usage. Side effects may include loss of concentration, numbness and fatigue.
Antidepressants
The Mayo Clinic lists only a few anti-depressants with the ability to prevent hemiplegic migraines. For instance, amitriptyline modulates serotonin and other brain chemicals to prevent the overstimulation of neurons. Adverse side-effects and preventative efficacy depend on the specific medication and varying depending on the person.
Beta-Blockers
The National Migraine Association indicates that beta-blockers can be used to treat the headache phase of hemiplegic migraines. Since stroke is a major concern for many with hemiplegic migraines, dosage titration and careful care of a physician are required when determining the ideal treatment with beta-blockers. Propranolol, a common beta-blocker, acts by controlling blood pressure and dilation to the entire body, which lowers the blood and oxygen received by the heart.
Warnings
Be aware of any medication that has possible heart-related side effects, since strokes are a possible symptom of hemiplegic migraines. Make sure to wear a medical alert bracelet to ensure that you receive fast and proper care when experiencing a hemiplegic migraine.
