About Familial Hemiplegic Migraine
Key Highlights
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Provides a definitive diagnosis to differentiate from stroke and other headache disorders.Enables personalized treatment plans based on genetic and clinical findings.Focuses on both acute attack relief and long-term preventive strategies.Reduces the frequency and severity of debilitating migraine episodes.Involves comprehensive patient and family education for better condition management.Helps in identifying at-risk family members through genetic counseling./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Recurrent migraine attacks accompanied by temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia).
- Presence of other neurological symptoms during attacks, such as visual aura, speech difficulties (dysphasia), numbness, or confusion.
- A family history of similar hemiplegic migraine episodes in a first- or second-degree relative.
- Suspicion of a genetic migraine disorder after excluding other causes like stroke, epilepsy, or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
- Attacks that are severe, prolonged, or not responding to standard migraine therapies.
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed personal and family medical history, specifically noting migraine patterns and neurological symptoms.
- Bring all previous medical records, imaging reports (like MRI/CT scans), and a list of current medications.
- Be prepared for a thorough neurological examination by the specialist.
- Discuss the possibility and implications of genetic testing with the neurologist or a genetic counselor.
- Maintain a headache diary documenting frequency, duration, symptoms, and triggers of attacks for several weeks.
Risks & possible complications
- Potential for misdiagnosis, as symptoms can closely resemble a stroke or other serious conditions.
- Side effects from prescribed preventive or acute medications (e.g., fatigue, dizziness, weight changes).
- Psychological or emotional implications of receiving a diagnosis of a chronic, inherited condition.
- Privacy considerations related to genetic testing results for the patient and their family.
- In rare cases, severe attacks may lead to prolonged weakness, seizures, or decreased consciousness.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery from an acute FHM attack varies; motor weakness typically resolves within hours to days but can occasionally last weeks.
- Post-diagnosis, long-term management involves adhering to the prescribed preventive medication regimen.
- Implementing identified lifestyle modifications, such as stress management, regular sleep, and avoiding known triggers, is crucial.
- Regular follow-up appointments with the neurologist are necessary to monitor treatment efficacy and adjust the plan.
- Patients are advised to have an action plan for acute attacks, including when to seek emergency care for stroke-like symptoms.
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Typical hospital stay: Usually 0 days (outpatient) or 1-2 days for severe diagnostic workup
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Expected recovery time: Varies; acute attack recovery: 24 hours to several days, long-term management is ongoing
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering familial hemiplegic migraine in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for familial hemiplegic migraine in India include KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform familial hemiplegic migraine. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for familial hemiplegic migraine compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 5 Thousand – 40 Thousand | Usually 0 days (outpatient) or 1-2 days for severe diagnostic workup | ~ Varies; acute attack recovery: 24 hours to several days, long-term management is ongoing | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 17.5 Thousand – 140 Thousand | Usually 0 days (outpatient) or 1-2 days for severe diagnostic workup | ~ Varies; acute attack recovery: 24 hours to several days, long-term management is ongoing | Know More |
Top hospitals for Familial Hemiplegic Migraine in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing familial hemiplegic migraine.
Priya Iyer, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Priya Iyer, a 28-year-old software engineer, had been experiencing terrifying episodes since her late teens. These weren't just bad headaches; they were full-blown neurological events. She'd lose vision in one eye, her speech would slur, and then a crushing, one-sided headache would set in, often accompanied by profound weakness or even temporary paralysis down one side of her body. These 'attacks' would leave her bedridden for days, jeopardizing her career. Her mother had similar, though less severe, episodes, hinting at a family link. Her neurologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that her symptoms were classic for Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM), a rare genetic subtype. He recommended genetic testing to confirm the specific FHM gene mutation (CACNA1A, ATP1A2, or SCN1A), which was crucial for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and family planning advice. The testing itself was simple, a blood draw, but the wait for results was agonizing. When the results confirmed an ATP1A2 mutation, Priya felt a complex mix of relief and grief. She finally had a name for her tormentor, but it was a lifelong condition. However, the diagnosis was transformative. Dr. Sharma tailored a preventive regimen (including a calcium channel blocker) and an acute rescue plan, which drastically reduced the frequency and severity of her attacks. Emotionally, she moved from a place of fear and isolation to one of understanding and control. She connected with a patient support group, and while she still manages her condition, she no longer feels it manages her.
Neurologists for Familial Hemiplegic Migraine
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform familial hemiplegic migraine and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 46 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 26 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 3 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 7 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida