Hemiplegic Migraine Headaches: Symptoms, Types & Care
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Although most people will have heard of migraines and even have a good idea of what they are, many people will not be aware that there are a number of different types of migraines and one of the rarer forms of migraine is the hemiplegic migraine. Hemiplegic migraines come in two variations – familial hemiplegic migraine (known as FHM) and sporadic hemiplegic migraine (known as SHM).
TL;DR – Hemiplegic Migraines
- A hemiplegic migraine is a rare form of migraine that comes in two variations – familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), which can be traced back in the family history, and sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM), which has no familial connection.
- The main symptom is paralysis on one side of the body, which can be so sudden that it seems like a stroke, along with numbness, a prickly feeling, a long aura, confusion, nausea and light or sound sensitivity.
- Both types often begin in childhood and there is no actual diagnostic test, so they can be confused with a stroke or epilepsy. The good news is that symptoms are usually gone within 24 hours.
- Wearing an identity bracelet that gives details of your condition can save valuable time in an emergency.
- NSAIDs, antiemetics and narcotic analgesics are generally used for relief, while calcium channel blockers, antidepressants or beta blockers can be effective preventative medications for FHM.
- The topical H-Headaches Formula from Healing Natural Oils is designed to target headache and migraine symptoms as part of a broader approach that includes managing triggers.
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Hemiplegic Migraine Symptoms & Diagnosis
Both of these conditions often begin in childhood and then stop in the adult years. They can be difficult to diagnose because there is no actual diagnostic test available and migraine symptoms can be confused with other conditions such as a stroke and epilepsy. Both of these hemiplegic migraines also share the same symptoms:
- There can be long periods of hemiplegic migraine aura (days or even weeks)
- There can be paralysis on one side of the body or only a part
- There can be numbness or a prickly feeling
- There can be a fever
- There can be the symptoms of meningitis without the actual illness or accompanying inflammation – this condition is called meningismus
- There can be impaired consciousness – this could be confusion or even coma
- There can be headache beginning before the hemiplegia
- There can be ataxia which is defective muscle coordination
- There can be nausea and/or vomiting
- There can be light and/or sound sensitivity
At the onset of hemiplegic migraines, the symptoms may be so sudden that they seem like a stroke. The paralysis on one side of the body can be frightening since this is a common stroke symptom. The good news is that the symptoms of a hemiplegic migraine are usually gone within 24 hours.
FHM vs SHM: The Key Difference
The big difference between the two varieties of hemiplegic migraines is that the first - FHM - can be traced back in the family history and has been linked to mutations of specific genes on chromosomes 1 and 19, while SHM has no familial connection and no connection to that specific genetic mutation.
Hemiplegic Migraine Aura
An aura refers to an array of psychological or neurological disturbances that occur shortly before a migraine onset. Auras usually last 5 to 20 minutes and involve symptoms such as vertigo (motion sickness or dizziness), imbalance, confusion or numbness but most auras consist of visual disturbances such as partial vision loss, the appearance of special effects and the distortion of objects. Sometimes the visual effects can be dramatic with bright, flickering or flashing lights, complex color patterns and shapes. There can be zigzag lines or shimmering shapes.
Hemiplegic Migraine Care
If you suffer from hemiplegic migraine, it is a very good idea to wear one of those identity bracelets at all times which gives details of your condition. Such identification can save valuable time in an emergency and ensure that you get the correct treatment quickly for your condition. This is especially important when you consider that a hemiplegic migraine attack can lead to possible unconsciousness as well as an inability to speak.
The treatment of the symptoms of hemiplegic migraines can be difficult as the symptoms are numerous and there are many migraine triggers. If you suffer from hemiplegic migraines, you need to learn all you can about the condition so that you are able to help yourself as much as possible and you need to seek the advice of a medical practitioner who is experienced in dealing with this condition so that you can get the best possible hemiplegic migraine care.
Treatments such as NSAIDs, antiemetics and narcotic analgesics are generally used for relief in hemiplegic migraine care. These are considered the safest option for now, but ongoing research continues for new migraine medicine and medications.
It is helpful and important to use preventative medications, and calcium channel blockers, antidepressants or beta blockers can be very effective preventative medications for FHM.
Also read: Vitamin Deficiency and the Link with Migraines
Healing Natural Oils Products that Assist with Migraines
Healing Natural Oils offers a product specifically designed for headaches and migraines called the H-Headaches Formula. This formula is a topical homeopathic product intended to target the symptoms associated with headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches. The product contains a blend of natural essential oils and homeopathic ingredients.
Active Ingredients:
- Apium graveolens 12C
- Nux vomica 12C
Inactive Ingredients:
- Corylus avellana nut oil
- Essential Oil Blend (Citrus limon peel, Lavandula officinalis flower bud, Matricaria recutita flower, Mentha piperita flower & whole plant, Rosmarinus officinalis whole plant)
The H-Headaches Formula is applied topically by massaging a few drops into the temples and the back of the neck. It's designed to start relieving headache symptoms quickly, and the amount of formula needed varies depending on the frequency and severity of headaches. It's important to note that while this product is designed to provide relief from headache symptoms, it's always advisable to seek medical advice for persistent or severe headaches.
While the H-Headaches Formula may offer symptomatic relief, it's part of a broader approach to managing migraines that includes understanding and managing triggers, and maintaining overall health and wellness.
Go to our Migraine and Headache page
Related Migraine & Headache Articles
Sources
- The Migraine Trust. Hemiplegic migraine. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- American Migraine Foundation. Hemiplegic Migraine: Symptoms and Treatments. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- International Headache Society. ICHD-3: 1.2.3 Hemiplegic migraine. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Familial hemiplegic migraine. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- Jen JC. Familial Hemiplegic Migraine. GeneReviews®, University of Washington, Seattle. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Familial Hemiplegic Migraine. (Accessed Oct 6, 2026)
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or confusion should always be treated as a medical emergency until a stroke has been ruled out, especially if it is the first time it has happened. Hemiplegic migraine should be diagnosed and managed by a qualified healthcare professional. H-Headaches Formula is a homeopathic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.