Hemiplegic migraine: causes, symptoms, and treatment

Irene de Boer, MD, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands, introduces hemiplegic migraine and how it differs from more common migraine cases. Hemiplegic migraine is a rare subtype of migraine with aura, characterized by the presence of motor weakness or paralysis as an aura manifestation. In some cases, hemiplegic migraine can be monogenic, associated with three known causative genes: CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and SCN1A. These genes all encode proteins located at the synaptic cleft that, when disrupted, leads to hyperexcitability and, thus, hemiplegic migraine. Genetic counseling is an important consideration in these patients due to the hereditary nature of disease. Dr de Boer comments on the approach to treatment in hemiplegic migraine, which requires preventive therapies as well as acute intervention. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2023 Congress in Budapest, Hungary. These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.