Familial hemiplegic migraine

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Familial hemiplegic migraine
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Neurology
Symptoms	Migraine, hemiparesis, aura
Complications	Seizures, cerebral edema
Onset	Childhood or adolescence
Duration	Hours to days
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutations in CACNA1A, ATP1A2, or SCN1A
Risks	Family history of migraine
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, genetic testing
Differential diagnosis	Stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Preventive medication, acute treatment
Medication	Calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, triptans
Prognosis	Variable, generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a type of migraine that is accompanied by hemiplegia. It is an inherited form of hemiplegic migraine, caused by a mutation in one of three genes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of familial hemiplegic migraine can vary widely, but they typically include:

• Aura: This is a warning sign that a migraine is about to occur. It can include visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or blind spots, as well as other symptoms such as tingling in the face or hands.
• Hemiplegia: This is a temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body. It can affect the face, arm, and leg and can last from a few hours to several days.
• Headache: The headache of a familial hemiplegic migraine is typically severe and can last from a few hours to several days. It is usually located on one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Causes

Familial hemiplegic migraine is caused by a mutation in one of three genes: CACNA1A, ATP1A2, or SCN1A. These genes are involved in the function of ion channels in nerve cells, and their mutation leads to the abnormal transmission of signals in the brain, resulting in the symptoms of the condition.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of familial hemiplegic migraine is based on the presence of characteristic symptoms, a family history of the condition, and the identification of a mutation in one of the three associated genes.

Treatment

The treatment of familial hemiplegic migraine is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing future attacks. This can include medications to treat the headache and nausea, as well as preventive medications to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

See also

• Migraine
• Hemiplegic migraine
• Genetic disorders