My father (51) has had chronic hemiplegic migraines since July of 2010. He has a migraine every day, and the full symptoms of the hemiplegic migraine occur several times a week. His doctors have put him on several medications, but none of them really help. He can not work now, and has lost many abilities due to the migraines. I was just wondering if you had heard of similar chronic hemiplegic migraine conditions, and what treatment options were used?
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
11/14/11 1:29pm
Hi
Hemiplegic Migraine is a rare form of Migraine disease that is often difficult to diagnose and treat because it can mimic other vascular diseases and conditions. I wonder what kind of doctor your dad is seeing right now? Neurologists while fine doctors, are not always experts in one area because they treat so many different conditions like MS, stroke and epilepsy. A Migraine specialist is a "true" expert who does just that. Treat one condition - headache and Migraine - all day, every day. If you feel the doctor working with your dad isn't helping hime enough, 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.
Good luck
Nancy
11/14/11 4:23pm
I wish i had answers, i really do. i just wanted to respond to let you know your dad is not alone. i have chronic HM have had more than 67 attacks in one month, have been wheelchair bound, and have some permanent motor and numbness problems on my right side. i often want to die and think about it quite often. I am currently on Verapamil which quieted them significantly believe it or not. I also take Magnesium Citrate Solution 300-800mg per day. for me, magnesium helps as much as any other drug without all the horrifying side effects.
the next drug on my list is acetazolamide (also called diomox, i believe) which i might try next. i am a single mother, i cannot work and am on SSDI. if i don't get better by next spring, my house will go on the chopping block. i hope that you find some hope, i truly do.
11/20/11 5:05pm
StopThinkFeel,
Is it a different Migraine every day, or is it one Migraine that has never ended? It's important to distinguish between the two situations because the approach and treatment are quite different.
If it's one continuous Migraine, it's not chronic Migraine. It's status Migraious (or Migraiousus, either spelling is correct). That's when a single Migraine lasts longer than 72 hours. Take a look at Status Migrainous - The Basics. Preventive medications are unlikely to work until that Migraine is broken. Often, the best method for stopping a long, continuous Migraine is IV infusion. You can find information on that in IV Treatment of Refractory Migraines.
Chronic Migraine, on the other hand, is when a person has headache or Migraines 15 or more days a month. See Chronic Migraine - The Basics.
As Nancy said, the best option for many with chronic Migraine is to be sure to seek care from an actual Migraine specialist.
Has your father tried verapamil for prevention of his hemiplegic Migraines? There are many, many options for Migraine preventive treatments, but verapamil is one that has shown more promise than many for hemiplegic Migraine in particular.
Hope this helps.
Please let us know how he's doing?
Teri
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 StopThinkFeel— Last Modified: 11/20/11, First Published: 11/13/11
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.
