A recent visit to the hospital resulted in a visit from a neurologist. He said he had nothing to offer for hemaplegic migraine and that hemiplegic migraine occurs in children and is "outgrown"............obviously not true as I am 43 and I have hemiplegic migraines! Is this what most doctors think???
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Q: Do neurologists treat migraines? Are hemiplegic migraines usually found in children and outgrown?
Answers (2)
11/16/08 4:00pm
Hi Jacquelyn!
I am sorry to hear that not only are you suffering, but your child is as well.
Yes, neurologists do treat Migraines, but they're not necessarily Migraine specialists. Most neurologists treat ALL neurological conditions, which means that they're not specialists in any particular one. That being said, when dealing with Hemiplegic Migraine, which is fairly rare, it may be necessary to see a Migraine specialist. 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.
Some children may have a decrease in Migraines as they get older, but, to generalize that all children will "out grow" Migraine is inaccurate. Both FHM and SHM often begin in childhood and can cease or continue through adult years. This type of Migraine is more difficult to treat, due to the complex symptoms and also because certain drugs, such as triptans, are contraindicated due to their vasoconstrictive properties. There was a small study done using triptans as treatment, but more studies must be done before they are considered a safe option for this type of Migraine. Hemiplegic Migraine - The Basics, will explain more about this type of Migraine.
We have a great forum on our site as well where you can discuss Migraine with other Migraineurs and also parents of children that are suffering. It is a great place for information and support! We would love to see you there!
To reach the forum from the main page, click the Migraine Forum tab in the orange Manage box, or, you can just click HERE. You will have to make a new log in and password to post in this area, but feel free to use the same ones you used for this section of the site.
Please keep us posted on how you and your child are doing!
Good Luck!
Eileen Gray
2/ 4/10 12:55am
Yes, most doctors do not understand this condition. We were told my son had hemiplegic migrains at age 5, he is now 32 and we are STILL fighting this battle.
He was in the hospital four days in mid Jan. 2010 and was treated like a drug addict in the ER. The doctors on the floor were not any better informed. He was again in the ER and hospital the end of Jan. and we were told the first hospital gave him the wrong medication to be taken at home.
We are in Louisiana and because my son is uninsured and unable to work at this time I have not been able to locate a doctor willing to help us.
Just be sure, Hemiplegic migrains are very real, and adults do have them!
Good luck with your treatment.
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 The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
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.
I am so sorry to hear about your son. My daughter (age 13) has recently been diagnosed with hemiplegic migrane, after two terryfing episodes. Both times the Dr's in the ER "assume" she is on drugs or has been drinking. Which of course only makes matters worse, and makes me furious!!! Only after her blood work comes back negitive- they just scratch their heads on what to do. There seem to be very few Doctors who actually understand this and can offer insight. We have seen a specialist with really no better understanding or information that I can find here on the internet. Being from Louisiana my self (not currently living there) I do understand your dilema of finding qualified Doctors. I wish you luck, and can only offer to look "outside" the borders of the state and see about finding him a qualified Dr. within traveling distance that is willing to take his case. But be prepared the wait list is sooo long! We are currently on two different waiting list with Dr's that tell us it will take up to 6 months to get an appmnt. Also, with all of the research that I have done, the ONLY medication that I feel comfortable to give my daughter would be Advil or Motrin... EVERYTHING else seems to have possible severe side effects. I know that Advil/Motrin are not really strong enough to combat all of the symtoms of the Hemiplegic Migrane but be very careful about what he does take!
Good Luck.