hemiplegic migraine
A rare form of migraine with aura characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body during the attack.
Full Definition
Hemiplegic migraine is a subtype of migraine with aura in which patients experience temporary weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body during the migraine attack. The weakness typically develops gradually over minutes and may be accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, sensory changes, or speech difficulties. Episodes can last from hours to days and may be followed by a typical migraine headache, though headache is not always present. Hemiplegic migraine can be sporadic or familial, with several genes identified in familial cases.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from stroke by gradual onset and family history; may require genetic testing in familial cases.
In Context
- "The teenager's episodes of left-sided weakness followed by headache were diagnosed as hemiplegic migraine." — Pediatric neurology clinic note
- "Genetic testing was ordered to rule out familial hemiplegic migraine." — Neurology consultation