Medical Information About Hemiplegic Migraines

Migraines afflict individuals with varying symptoms and can be triggered by an array of causes such as food, allergies, hormonal changes, mood disorders and family history. Hemiplegic migraines are considered to be a genetically caused migraine with neurological effects on the body that can cause severe discomfort and disorientation.

Effects

• Hemiplegic migraines are a type of migraine with aura, meaning some neurological symptoms, such as temporary paralysis, distorted vision, speech problems, numbness and imprecise hearing, will accompany the onset. These symptoms may result in a lack of coordination and balance, slurred speech, headaches, blurred or double vision, hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and confusion. The migraine itself persists as an acute, throbbing pain and reoccurs regularly.

Identification

• Individuals suffering from familial hemiplegic migraines typically have a first or second degree relative who has experienced the same problems. This form of migraine occurs due to a genetic mutation on chromosomes 1, 2 and 19, with migraine episodes beginning during adolescence and young adulthood. The frequency of familial hemiplegic migraines varies dependent upon the individual, with some people experiencing daily symptoms and others with infrequent attacks throughout a lifetime. In some cases, hemiplegic migraines may decrease with age or occur sporadically during midlife.

Types

• Clinical testing identifies three types of familial hemiplegic migraines known as FHM1, FHM2 and FHM3. Of the three, FHM1 appears to be the only type that could potentially result from a cerebral deficit. The three gene mutations linked to hemiplegic migraines are CACNA1A, occurring on chromosome 19, ATP1A2, effecting chromosome 1, and SCN1A, responsible for deforming chromosome 2.

Function

• CACNA1A is associated with Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Type 1, as it causes a greater than average flow of calcium ions, resulting in an influx of neurotransmitters responsible for causing a migraine. ATP1A2 is related to Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Type 2, as this gene prevents protein from transporting ions, resulting in decreased levels of potassium and sodium, adversely affecting the neurotransmitters to cause a migraine. SCN1A is a genetic defect connected to Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Type 3. This gene changes a protein block within the sodium channel, resulting in increased neurotransmitters, followed by a migraine. Additionally, SCN1A may be responsible for provoking seizures.

Potential Risks

• Familial hemiplegic migraines are connected to stroke and paralysis, making treatment with triptans risky. Doctors can prescribe antidepressants, painkillers and calcium channel-blockers to combat and prevent the onset of a migraine. These remedies work by leveling serotonin and neurotransmitter signals that have become irregular due to chromosomal gene defects.