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What Causes Vision And Speech Problems, Numbness In Arms, Hands With Migraine Headache?
Question: I get migraines with aura - visual disturbances that render me unable to read. I sometimes am unable to speak clearly and sometimes my left hand and arm are numb although the movement is unaffected. Upon having an aura I take 10mg. of rizatriptan benzoate plus 800 mg ibuprofen plus strong coffee. Aura lasts a little less than half and hour. The severe headache can last 24 hours followed by days of a dull headache. The numbness worries me even through it only lasts maybe 5 minutes. What do you advise? And should that be more worrisome?
Brief Answer:
Hemiplegic migraine.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Symptoms you describe (vision and speech problems,together with hand and arm numbness) are known to be related to one of the migraine headaches variants, or, specifically hemiplegic migraines.
This condition may be both familial (or inherited), or sporadic.
Even if it may seem frightening, there are no serious complications in majority of cases.
Besides the treatment about pain you mentioned, hemiplegic migraine symptoms are treated best with one of these drugs, flunarizine or topiramate.
Since these are prescription drugs, you should discuss with your primary care Doctor,or Neurologist about their use.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.
Hemiplegic migraine.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Symptoms you describe (vision and speech problems,together with hand and arm numbness) are known to be related to one of the migraine headaches variants, or, specifically hemiplegic migraines.
This condition may be both familial (or inherited), or sporadic.
Even if it may seem frightening, there are no serious complications in majority of cases.
Besides the treatment about pain you mentioned, hemiplegic migraine symptoms are treated best with one of these drugs, flunarizine or topiramate.
Since these are prescription drugs, you should discuss with your primary care Doctor,or Neurologist about their use.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for your clear answer with suggestions for follow-up medication. I am encouraged to know that this is a migraine variant and that there is no cause for great concern.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
It is a treatable condition, so, don't worry about.
Take care.
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
It is a treatable condition, so, don't worry about.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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