Signs Of A Hemiplegic Migraine

Double Vision

Double vision is one of the many types of visual disturbances that occur with hemiplegic and other types of migraines. Visual problems are generally part of the aura that comes before the headache. In addition to double vision, patients have reported seeing zigzag lines, sparkles or shimmers, dots, flashing lights, and even blind spots in their vision. Between thirty to seventy-nine percent of patients may also experience nystagmus, which is very rapid, rhythmic eye movements that are completely involuntary. These visual changes are frequently accompanied by a sensitivity to light that can be extreme. Like other aura symptoms, vision changes can start slowly and build over the course of thirty minutes or longer, lasting for up to a few hours before disappearing. While apatient's vision typically returns to normal, in some rare instances, long-term problems can occur such as involuntary eye movements, have been documented.

Next, learn another symptom of these extreme migraines.

Dizziness

This is often one of the first symptoms of a hemiplegic migraine attack and can be part of a patient's aura. While it is common in other types of migraines, in many cases of ahemiplegic migraine, the dizziness can be severe. It may also be accompanied by feeling lightheaded or just feeling generally unwell, known as general malaise. Some patients may experience vertigo, which is a related symptom. With vertigo, patients who are standing still feel a sense of rotation or rocking. They may feel as though the world around them is spinning. Both dizziness and vertigo may lead to loss of balance and falls. Sometimes, the sensation of feeling dizzy can also contribute to a feeling of nausea or to vomiting, both of which have occurred in patients with ahemiplegic migraine. Fortunately, most hemiplegic migraine patients will find that their feeling of dizziness subsides within a few hours after an attack.