Im 37 and have had a CVA and numerous TIA's. This last attack I thought I was having another Stroke. My Neurologist in the hospital thought it could be a hemiplegic migraine as my CT Scan was negative. How do I know the differnce between the two and is there any medication I can take to prevent the further attacks of this migraine? This is so scary I dont know what to do, now Im worried if I phone an ambulance for my strokes it will waste their time and be another hemiplegec migraine. Does anyone have any advice?
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Q: CVA and Hemiplegic Migraine how do I know the difference
Answers (1)
1/ 7/12 2:18pm
Holly,
-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*Welcome to MyMigraineConnection!*•-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-
Was it your regular neurologist you saw at the hospital or one you saw through the ER? If you haven't followed up with your own doctor, you need to do so. Had you previously been diagnosed with any form of Migraine? I ask because it's important to be sure that the diagnosis is correct. One of the biggest problems with diagnosing Migraine is that there are no tests to confirm the diagnosis. Migraine is diagnosed by reviewing the medical history of the patient and their family, evaluating the symptoms, and conducting a good exam to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
So, once you're sure that you have hemiplegic Migraines, it's still not easy to determine if an episode is a Migraine or CVA because the symptoms can be so similar.
There are times when only a doctor can safely say if an episode is Migraine or CVA. What you need to do is work with your doctor to outline when it's safe to decide what's going on is a Migraine and treat it, and when you need to see your doctor or go to the ER. Make this a written plan so you and anyone who may be with you can refer to it. When you're in the midst of an episode, you can't count on your memory of what the doctor said.
Yes, there are medications that can be used for the prevention of hemiplegic Migraine. It's important to realize, however, that preventive treatments can't prevent all of our Migraines, so even with effective preventive treatments, we still have some Migraines. The calcium channel blocker verapamil is the medication with the most evidence behind it for the prevention of hemiplegic Migraine, but there are other options too. There are over 100 medications in use today for Migraine prevention. You can find a list of them in Migraine preventive medications: too many options to give up!
Welcome again,
Teri
Hemiplegic Migraine isn't very common, and many doctors don't know how to treat it, so if your doctor isn’t able to help, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. It’s important to note that neurologists aren’t necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. 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.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By Holly— Last Modified: 01/08/12, First Published: 01/07/12
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thankyou for your response. Luckily when I was in hospital it was my neurologist that I saw. I've never had a migraine before so it all seemed a little strange. I've had bad headaches but nothing so debilitating as this was. I take a drug called Perindopril which I believe is an ACE Inhibitor which I understand is one of the drugs to take if you suffer from migraines. I am due an MRI as an outpatient maybe this will throw some light on things. Can symptoms last for days with hemiplegic migraines my admission to hospital was tuesday but I still have symptoms, no headache though? Im still unsure of this new diagnosis, its very unsettling.