When we're looking at Migraine and headache information, whether it's from our doctor, a book, or an online article, we sometimes come across medical terms that can be confusing.

Sometimes, it's easy enough to substitute another word or a short phrase for the medical term. At other times, substituting just doesn't convey quite the same meaning or takes more than a few words.

Some of you have expressed an interest in learning more of the medical terminology that comes up when discussing Migraine disease and other headache disorders. So, I'll be posting a "term of the day," probably a couple of times a week. If there are terms you'd like to have defined, please leave a comment to let me know what it is.

Today's term: Hemiparesis.

Hemiparesis is muscular weakness or partial paralysis restricted to one side of the body.

In the discussion of Migraines, hemiparesis is a symptom that occurs only in hemiplegic Migraine.

It's important to distinguish between hemiparesis and the numbness and tingling that some people experience during a Migraine attack. When hemiparesis is a new symptom, it is important that diagnostic testing be performed to rule out stroke or other organic cause for the symptoms.

Related articles:

• Hemiplegic Migraine - The Basics

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© Teri Robert, 2009
Last updated October 25, 2009