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Paralysis with no headache

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I am desperate! I have been to so many specialists and had so many tests and really have no answers. I am so frustrated. Here is an explanation of my symptoms.

It starts with a very small, "quivering" light in my right eye. It grows larger in size until I can not make out most of what my right eye is seeing. The light is bright. Usually, I feel nauseous when this is happening. Soon after this stops, (anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour), I start feeling a numbness and tingling on the right side of my face and even my teeth and gums are numb. At this point, the right side of my lip and my right eye droops. (This symptom can last anywhere from 4 hours to 2 days). The numbness travels down my right arm and eventually, I will be unable to use my arm and hand. This can also last for a few hours but noticeable weakness lasts for up to 3 days after the attack. I never get a headache of any kind. For up to a week after, I will be exhausted. These "spells" usually come in waves and I just had 4 in 5 days.

The doctors all say it is a Hemiplegic Migraine but that requires a family member have it too...which they do not.

Any of your wisdom is appreciated.
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First Helper southernfocus
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User Profile
replied February 24th, 2009
Extremely eHealthy
All of the symptoms are suitable for diagnosis of Hemiplegic Migraine.
Acctually, you don't need to have family history of this condition, since, it comes in two variations, and the one that you are probably having is known as Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine (no family history, no genes mutations).
This diagnosis must be always distinguished from transient ishemic attack, or mini-stroke (transient ishemic attack, usually happens in adults with predispositions for stroke, its symptoms last very short time, but, Hemiplegic migraine symptoms are with prolonged duration, and they begin in childhood and cease during adult years)
Headache can be present or not with all other symptoms of HM.

You need to focus on finding neurologist who have experience with treating this type of migraine, cause is very rare and difficult to be treated.

Best wishes!
Marija
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