Living with Familial or sporadic hemiplegic migraine
A rare type of migraine with aura and temporary weakness on one side of the body, which may run in families.
Understanding Familial or sporadic hemiplegic migraine
It is called familial if another family member has it and sporadic if none does. Symptoms vary and may include vision changes, loss of feeling, trouble speaking, weakness on one side, and confusion. Severe attacks can bring long-lasting weakness on one side, coma, fever, or seizures. It often starts in childhood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking clearly (dysarthria)
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Dizziness or spinning (vertigo)
- Poor balance
- Seizures
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
American Migraine Foundation and National Headache Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: American Migraine Foundation, National Headache Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Migraine Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The familial form can be caused by a genetic change in any of several genes and is autosomal dominant. The cause of the sporadic form isn't described in GARD.
Also known as: hemiplegic migraine
Patient organizations
- American Migraine FoundationFamilial or sporadic hemiplegic migraine · United States
- National Headache FoundationFamilial or sporadic hemiplegic migraine · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Familial or sporadic hemiplegic migraine.
Explore research for Familial or sporadic hemiplegic migraine
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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