Clearing Up 5 Common Misconceptions About Hemiplegic Migraines

As someone who deals with a rare migraine type known as a hemiplegic migraine, one that mimics a stroke and can cause seizures. While what I have is rare and occurs in only about 0.01% of the world's population, it has become a slurry of misconceptions. With the slurry of misconceptions; people can be misdiagnosed, and have outsiders even more confused than they were before they heard of the term.

Misconception: Hemiplegic migraines are just severe headaches
Migraines in general are not just a headache, they're usually a combination of symptoms. In fact, not all migraines are painful, sometimes people can have what is called silent migraines (painless migraines), it all depends on the person.

Some of the classic symptoms are numbness or weakness on one side of your body, vertigo, nausea and vomiting, and even seizures. For a full list, I compiled some of the common hemiplegic migraine symptoms in a cute little chart, for you to save, or to better acquaint yourself with. 

Misconception: Hemiplegic migraines are not serious

If someone has hemiplegic migraines there are left untreated, or undiagnosed, it can pose many problems such as memory loss, coma and an increased chance of a stroke later in life, especially if someone with hemiplegic migraines has what is known as familial hemiplegic migraines (migraines passed through families). If you think you have hemiplegic migraines or are experiencing any of the symptoms of one for the first time, please go to your nearest ER and contact your primary care doctor. 

Misconception: Hemiplegic migraines can be cured
Sadly like most conditions, there is no cure for hemiplegic migraines, just medications to keep the symptoms and migraines away. Because one medication works for one person, doesn't mean it works for the next person. Some kinds of medications that a doctor may prescribe for hemiplegic migraines may be, anti-seizure medications, beta-blockers, and strong NSAIDs. 

Misconception: Hemiplegic migraines only affect adults
They can happen at any age. Just recently Tori Spelling was in the news talking about how her daughter who is 14 has hemiplegic migraines. 

Misconception: Hemiplegic migraines always involve paralysis.
Because migraine is a series of symptoms, they may not cause the same exact symptoms each time. Sometimes mine can just be pins and needles, others it can be weakness or it can be full-on left body paralysis. If the symptoms are new and alarming it's best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. 

Hemiplegic migraines are a severe condition, that can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Just because it's a rare condition doesn't mean that you or a loved one doesn't have it. Getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. If you are someone who's been recently diagnosed or are no stranger to the diagnosis, I want you to know you are not alone. You can talk to me about your migraines, share your story to add to a blog post, or I can provide you with a Facebook group or two to help you feel connected with others.