Hemiplegic Migraines are a rare type of migraine and is categorised by temporary muscle weakness on one side of the body hence the term 'hemi' which means half and 'plegic' meaning paralysis.
When I had my first few Hemiplegic Migraine attacks they were mistaken for a stroke as it has a very similar presentation with the muscle weakness and other symptoms such as speech difficulties, confusion. There is also often visual problems and neuropathy such as a pins and needles sensation felt in the body.
Hemiplegic migraines can last from anywhere to 1 hour to a whole day; sometimes longer.
There are two subtypes of hemiplegic migraines: familial and sporadic. The familial type is when other family members also experience the same type of migraine. Sporadic type is when there is no family link and is though to come from a sporadic genetic mutation.
Regardless of the type of hemiplegic migraine the treatment and management is the same.
