Unusual Types of Migraines
Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (Migraines that Mimic a Stroke or Epilepsy and have Prolonged Aura Symptoms) Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) is the only type of migraine with the unique aura symptom of dramatic weakness in the limbs.
This weakness can range from simple lack of coordination and clumsiness to paralysis.
People have also been known to lose consciousness - partially and fully.
This type of migraine can be especially frightening to experience because the symptoms are so similar to a stroke.
Many of the characteristics of the FHM meet that of migraine with aura, however there are a few differences.
FHM sufferers will experience an aura symptom lasting up to 24hrs while the symptoms of a migraine without aura will develop during the aura phase (this is not typical) or within 60 minutes of it ending.
It is not uncommon for FHM sufferers to develop a Basilar-type migraine instead of the previously discussed migraine without aura.
FHM is believed to be a genetic disorder.
In fact, to be diagnosed as "Familial" Hemiplegic Migraine, the condition must be known to be experienced by at least one first or second degree relative.
As always, other conditions and disorders - especially vascular such as strokes and aneurisms - must be ruled out first.
Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine Same as above but without known first or second-degree relatives.
Basilar-Type Migraine (Intense Migraines with temporary blindness) This is a condition could be referred to as a migraine with extreme symptoms including - intense vertigo and temporary blindness.
Basilar-type migraines are frequently seen in young adults.
It is believed to originate in the brain stem and/or both hemispheres of the brain.
Diagnosing basilar-type migraine is dependent on ruling out anxiety disorders and well as hemiplegic migraines (if motor weakness is experienced, then the diagnosis is usually FHM or sporadic hemiplegic migraine.
) This is a condition could be referred to as a migraine with extreme symptoms including - intense vertigo and temporary blindness.
Basilar-type migraines are frequently seen in young adults.
It is believed to originate in the brain stem and/or both hemispheres of the brain.
Diagnosing basilar-type migraine is dependent on ruling out anxiety disorders and well as hemiplegic migraines (if motor weakness is experienced, then the diagnosis is usually FHM or sporadic hemiplegic migraine.
) People who are diagnosed as having basilar -type migraines must meet the following criteria:
If this sounds like you ask yourself:
This weakness can range from simple lack of coordination and clumsiness to paralysis.
People have also been known to lose consciousness - partially and fully.
This type of migraine can be especially frightening to experience because the symptoms are so similar to a stroke.
Many of the characteristics of the FHM meet that of migraine with aura, however there are a few differences.
FHM sufferers will experience an aura symptom lasting up to 24hrs while the symptoms of a migraine without aura will develop during the aura phase (this is not typical) or within 60 minutes of it ending.
It is not uncommon for FHM sufferers to develop a Basilar-type migraine instead of the previously discussed migraine without aura.
FHM is believed to be a genetic disorder.
In fact, to be diagnosed as "Familial" Hemiplegic Migraine, the condition must be known to be experienced by at least one first or second degree relative.
As always, other conditions and disorders - especially vascular such as strokes and aneurisms - must be ruled out first.
Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine Same as above but without known first or second-degree relatives.
Basilar-Type Migraine (Intense Migraines with temporary blindness) This is a condition could be referred to as a migraine with extreme symptoms including - intense vertigo and temporary blindness.
Basilar-type migraines are frequently seen in young adults.
It is believed to originate in the brain stem and/or both hemispheres of the brain.
Diagnosing basilar-type migraine is dependent on ruling out anxiety disorders and well as hemiplegic migraines (if motor weakness is experienced, then the diagnosis is usually FHM or sporadic hemiplegic migraine.
) This is a condition could be referred to as a migraine with extreme symptoms including - intense vertigo and temporary blindness.
Basilar-type migraines are frequently seen in young adults.
It is believed to originate in the brain stem and/or both hemispheres of the brain.
Diagnosing basilar-type migraine is dependent on ruling out anxiety disorders and well as hemiplegic migraines (if motor weakness is experienced, then the diagnosis is usually FHM or sporadic hemiplegic migraine.
) People who are diagnosed as having basilar -type migraines must meet the following criteria:
- Have experienced at least two attacks.
- Auras with at least two of the following symptoms (but no motor weakness): difficulty in articulating words, dizziness, ringing in the ears, double vision, lack of coordination, sensations of numbness or pins and needles on both sides of the body.
- At least one aura symptom must develop over more than five minutes and/or different symptoms occur in succession over five minutes or more AND/OR each aura symptom lasts between five to sixty minutes.
- Headache without aura develops during the aura or within 60 minutes of the aura ending.
- None of the symptoms of this condition must be attributed to another disorder.
If this sounds like you ask yourself:
- Have I had at least two attacks?
- Have the visual disturbances you have experienced during an attack (twinkling lights, blindness, etc) been confirmed by a qualified doctor? Do these symptoms always go away after an attack?
- Does a migraine without aura follow either while experiencing the visual disturbances or within sixty minutes of them ending?
- Have you ruled out all other reasons for blindness?
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