Monday, February 13, 2012
Saturday, November 07, 2009 Pooh asks

Q: my husband had first hemiplegic migraine in May, 2nd in Sept with stroke

In May, my husband had what was diagnosed as a hemiplegic migraine.  He had sudden onset of severe headache and within minutes stroke like symptoms on the left side of his body.  MRI's were negative.  Then, again, Sept 18, he had a severe headache which lasted all day even with the isometh max dose.  After 12 hrs of headache, the strok-like symptoms appeared but this time involved both sides of his body.  MRI showed 1cm spot in left medulla area.  Because it involved both sides, he had spinal tap to ck for MS and brain tumor.  Both negative.  So, doc is saying most likely a "small stroke".  Now, of course, we want as much info as can get on these migraines and interested in if we should be seeing a doc who specializes in such.  We are seeing a neurologist but since the HP Migraines are so rare, should we travel to another city to seek advice?  Thanks, P

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11/13/09 10:15am

Hi Pooh,

 

Absolutely yes! Travel to a city that has a Migraine specialist. If in fact your dear husband has Hemiplegic Migraine, you'll both want an expert to treat him. A neurologist, while a fine doctor, isn't an expert in one area. They treat so many different conditions like MS, stroke and epilepsy, that they can't concentrate in one disease. Migraine specialists however, do treat one condition - ours - Migraines and headache disorders. I would strongly encourage you to seek out a specialist. We have some information for you to read if you'd like: Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.

 

I hope this helps.

Nancy

 

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