Getting to Know Hemiplegic Migraine

hemiplegic migraine, chiropractor for migraine in Stow, OH

Migraine can be a terrible symptom to have. Your situation can also take an unfortunate turn if you have the rarest type: hemiplegic migraine. Are you familiar with this type of migraine episode? Are you among the few who experience this highly debilitating health complaint? If you are or know someone who has it, our discussion below might come in handy in your bid to mitigate the impact of the episodes and seek effective relief options. Additionally, we will tackle the role of a chiropractor for migraine in Stow, OH, in managing your painful symptoms.

 

What Is Hemiplegic Migraine?

The hemiplegic migraine is a rare type of migraine with aura. The word "hemiplegic" means that it involves one side of your body — in this case, the arm and leg of your affected side. If you have this form of migraine, you will likely experience weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. 

Hemiplegic migraines are also called hemiplegic attacks or reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). Studies explain that this condition stems from the constriction of blood vessels in the brain, which can get triggered by various factors, including stress, dehydration, and hormonal changes. While other types of migraines can occur without auras, hemiplegic migraines cause more severe symptoms that can linger for around 30 minutes to 3 hours. It can also make you feel pretty exhausted after an episode.

 

What are The Causes and Symptoms of Hemiplegic Migraines?

Notably, hemiplegic migraines can occur in two distinct forms: familial and sporadic. Studies explain that the familial type results from genetic anomalies that affect the communication between the brain's neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) and neurons (nerve cells).   

On the one hand, the sporadic type occurs when a patient has genetic anomalies but doesn't have relatives or family members with the same problem. 

Most patients who have hemiplegic migraines report the following symptoms: 

  • Throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head 
  • Paresthesia (pins and needles) on the arms
  • Unilateral numbing sensation or body weakness
  • Trouble keeping your balance and coordination 
  • Vertigo, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines and other headaches download our complimentary e-book Natural and Drug-Free Ways to End Your Migraines below.

BessoMigraineBookSome people also note uncommon but relatively debilitating health concerns that manifest because of their hemiplegic migraines. These include the following: 

  • Visual and sensory auras
  • Aphasia (difficulty in speaking or comprehending words) 
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness 
  • Temporary memory problems

Interestingly, most of the symptoms of a hemiplegic migraine can also indicate stroke – a potentially lethal health problem that requires immediate medical attention. Hence, if you spot these indicators and suspect having a stroke, don't hesitate to call 911 or reach out to your physician. The more comprehensive diagnosis you can get, the better you can manage your risks and plan your next steps.

 

How Do Doctors Diagnose Hemiplegic Migraines?

Physicians diagnose hemiplegic migraine by evaluating a patient's medical history and conducting a physical examination. Your attending doctor might also request laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. 

For example, you might need to undergo a CT or MRI scan to check if it doesn't have anything to do with life-threatening problems like blood clots in the brain. Brain scans or neurological examinations might also come in handy in understanding your symptoms further.

 

What Are Some Of The Options For Relief When You Have Hemiplegic Migraines? 

Although hemiplegic migraine attacks are mostly inherited, it doesn't mean that they're virtually impossible to manage. Notably, various relief options for classic migraines also apply to hemiplegic migraine cases. These include the following:  

  • Taking NSAIDs or anti-nausea medication
  • Taking prescribed preventive medicines like beta blockers
  • Avoiding migraine triggers like aged cheese and preserved goods
  • Managing stressors like financial woes, relationship conflicts, daily commute worries, work-related problems, etc.
  • Exploring relaxation techniques that can help calm the nerves and release feel-good hormones into the bloodstream
  • Eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding dehydration
  • Supplementing one's diet to address vitamin deficiencies that affect the nervous system
  • Addressing postural issues with the help of a chiropractor for migraine in Stow, OH

hemiplegic migraine, chiropractor for migraine in Stow, OH

Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Migraine Pain Management 

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a safe, natural, and promising option to manage mild to severe migraine attacks. Upper cervical doctors use multiple techniques and modalities to help ease the tension build-up along the cervical spine that might affect cerebral blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid drainage.

It's a worth-it option, especially if you want to explore a natural choice for migraine pain relief. Many patients swear by the benefits they enjoy after receiving neck bone adjustments, such as: 

  • Improved quality of life
  • Increased energy levels
  • Less severe migraine symptoms
  • Less neck and shoulder pain 

Several case studies have also illustrated cervical bone adjustments' pivotal role in addressing nervous system imbalances that arise from compressed blood vessels and the brainstem tissue.

 

Your Top Chiropractor for Migraine in Stow, OH

Whatever kind of migraine is hampering your life, a chiropractor for migraine in Stow, OH, can help you! So if you're suffering from hemiplegic migraine, don't let it keep you from enjoying life. Visit Besso Clinic of Chiropractic and find out how you can manage your symptoms and regain control of your life. We will help you determine if upper cervical chiropractic can make an excellent addition to your migraine care plan.  

Our chiropractor for migraine in Stow, OH – Dr. Geoff Besso, and our team are committed to helping people address one of the key triggers of migraine attacks – neck bone misalignments. You can call us today at 330-845-5910, email us, or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment!

 

To schedule a complimentary consultation with the Besso clinic call 330-845-5910 or just click the button below.

Book your consultation with Stow chiropractor Dr. Geoff Besso

if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

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Feel Better. Work Better. Live Better.
Besso Clinic of Chiropractic
4015 Darrow Rd. Suite A
Stow, Ohio 44224
info@bessoclinic.com330-845-5910
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