Numbness and pain lasting for weeks after hemiplegic migrane

elmostar · December 19, 2005, 11:36pm

I had a hemiplegic migrane (I think) a couple weeks ago.

I had blotchy vision, then pins and needles and numbness and paralysis in my arm and hand, then my face and tongue, then my leg and foot. I was unable to speak properly. I regained walking and speech after a few hours but the paralysis lasted about 12 hours

. I used to have the hemiplegic migraines when I was on the birth control pill at age 19, but I never had one since I went off them. I have had a cat scan and it was clear. They are sending me for an MRI next month. They are concerned thet this was either a stroke or is MS as I am only 31 and too young for a stroke. They feel this concern as the numbness is till present three weeks later On my left side I am still very weak and it is painful to use. Has anyone with this condition every experienced this?

Thanks for your time.

Kazzie · December 20, 2005, 12:18pm

hi, Im 25 and in good health - have been suffering with migraines for about six years now one every few months. I also get the pins and needles in the hands and face - especially my mouth - last two have been so bad, I couldnt recognise my parents and was totally delirious and had to go to hospital for - I have also experienced black outs and fainting with this - docs are not being very helpful - just saying that they think it is related to me having M.E - been given some anti depressants and co-codimal - even though I am not depressed - i really dont understand what my doc is doing - any advice? I have got to the point where I am terrified when a migraine starts!

anursejenny · December 20, 2005, 3:07pm

KazzieQ what you are describing could very well be a hemiplegic migraine. my doctor had me on antidepressents at one time also to treat my hemiplegic migraines. i never found it to be helpful, but i guess each person is different. do you think antidepressents have helped your headaches? i also experience confusion- even forget my own name and simple information when im in the middle of one. i get to where i can't even remember words, have difficulty speaking, lose vision in one eye and feeling on one side of my body. i've heard from others that they can even cause coma, so i'm not surprised about you fainting or blacking out. i know it can be a very terrifying experience. does your doc have you on any other preventative meds? daily aspirin and muscle relaxers i've found to be useful along with Fioricet and Stadol during a migraine. Stadol is the only thing i've found to take away the pain if only temporary. mine can last for weeks till im back to my normal self. i always have an aura first though, so i know when it's coming on, but it does happen suddenly and always is very scary!!! good luck to you.

-jenny