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E. J. Piovesan and M. A. T. Utiumi
Table 1.1
a
weakness
b
for weeks
Diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of hemiplegic migraine [27]
1.2.3 Hemiplegic migraine A.Attacks fullling criteria for 1.2 Migraine with aura and criterion B below B.Aura consisting of both of the following: C.Fully reversible motor weakness D.Fully reversible visual, sensory, and/or speech/language symptoms
1.2.3.1 Familial hemiplegic migraine A.Attacks fullling criteria for 1.2.3 Hemiplegic migraine B. At least one rst- or second-degree relative has had attacks fullling criteria for 1.2.3
Hemiplegic migraine
1.2.3.2 Sporadic hemiplegic migraine A.Attacks fullling criteria for 1.2.3 Hemiplegic migraine B.No rst- or second-degree relative fulls criteria for 1.2.3 Hemiplegic migraine
The term plegic means paralysis in most languages, but most attacks are characterized by motor
Motor symptoms generally last less than 72h but, in some patients, motor weakness may persist
a,b
Step 5: Apply the International Classication of Headache Disorders, third edition
(ICHD-3) Diagnostic Criteria (Table 1.1)
Step 6: Conrm diagnosis
Conrm hemiplegic migraine:
– CACNA1A (FHM1), ATP1A2 (FHM2), SCN1A (FHM3), or PRRT2
(other types) gene mutations or sporadic types.
Step 7: Classication re-evaluation
Reassess headache classication for other secondary types of headache.
– See below (Sect. “Differential Diagnosis”).

1.7 Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is essential in patients with no affected relatives (sporadic forms) or when a reliable family history is lacking. The type and magnitude of HM symptoms make ruling out other signicant disorders necessary, including diseases such as cerebrovascular events, infectious conditions, inammatory diseases, epi­lepsy with hemiparesis, and tumors [28].
In cases of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and strokes, the condition is sudden, while in HM, the neurological symptoms evolve gradually [1]. Motor aura may start in the hand, spread to the arm, and nally reach the face. The manifestation is sud­den in all regions in neurovascular conditions. Headaches precede weakness in cases of vascular syndromes, while they occur closer in time in cases of HM [29].
1 Hemiplegic Migraine
11
Headache is rare in cases of TIA but common in patients with hemorrhagic stroke and young patients with HM [29].
Other vascular disorders discussed elsewhere include hereditary cerebral angi­opathy [30] and cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts (CADASIL).
Seizures followed by Todd’s syndrome (motor weakness secondary to a seizure) can be confused with motor auras [1, 30]. Approximately 7% of those with FHM may also have epilepsy, which often makes the differential diagnosis challenging [26]. HM motor symptoms can last from 30min to days, while seizures usually last only a few minutes. The typical motor patterns of seizures include limb spasms, head-turning, and loss of consciousness at their onset [2]. Todd’s syndrome can be as long-lasting as HM, and this differential diagnosis is often complex.
In infectious cases, the patient typically presents with fever and some degree of altered mental status. Differential diagnosis with hypo- or hyperactive delirium of infectious origin may be necessary. The diagnostic workup includes neuroimaging to rule out structural lesions and the analysis of the cerebrospinal uid [31] when the condition is unclear.
Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is a rare condition that may occur in patients with a history of brain radiotherapy 20–30years before the onset of symptoms. Imaging tests may show thick cortical gyral enhance­ment [32].
Alternating hemiplegia of childhood is a rare genetic disorder of childhood caused by mutations in the ATP1A3 gene that produces periodic episodes of hemi- or quadriplegia, associated with dystonia, epilepsy, and cognitive altera­tions [33].
HaNDL is a rare sporadic condition characterized by hemiparesis and aphasia, associated with changes in cerebral blood ow and an increase in the lymphocyte count in the cerebrospinal uid [34]. This condition can be related to FHM1 [23]. However, HaNDL is monophasic and lasts up to 3months, while FHM recurs for years and is associated with frequent visual symptoms [
17].
Mitochondrial disorders [35] can present with recurrent migraine-like head­aches, neurological decits, neuroimaging, and genetic ndings. Sturge-Weber dis­order may manifest with symptoms like HM, although typical dermatological changes help differentiate the disease [36]. Hypercapnia, hyponatremia, hypocalce­mia, hepatic and renal failure, carotid dissection, antiphospholipid syndrome, sys­temic lupus erythematosus, and ornithine transcarbamylase deciency can all present with symptoms that suggest HM [13].

1.8 Management

Non-pharmacological treatment begins by avoiding exposure to potentially seizure­generating factors, including pharmacological substances. The triggering factors can be emotional and intense physical stress, viral infections, and head trauma [37].
12
E. J. Piovesan and M. A. T. Utiumi
In isolated reports, the use of vasoconstrictive drugs (ergotamine and dihydroer­gotamine) in the acute phase of the disease can exacerbate the aura [30]. During the interictal periods, the use of topiramate [38] and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist (liraglutide) [39] can also worsen the HM evolution. An isolated case of regadenoson use, a selective A2A adenosine receptor agonist, triggering HM was reported [40].
In the acute phase with altered consciousness (brain edema), we favor a more aggressive intervention. Magnesium sulfate 2g intravenous (IV) every 8h (3 doses) and dexamethasone were administered, followed by 0.1mg/kg IV every 6h for 5days, resulting in complete improvement [41]. In cases of cerebral edema, we may use dexamethasone 0.5mg/kg/day IV in 3 pulses/day for 3days, followed by grad­ual oral tapering and hypertonic solution at 3% 1.5 mL/kg/h, maintaining Na+ between 145 and 155mEq/L [42].
In acute cases without altered consciousness, triptans can produce good or excel­lent symptom control in up to 62% of cases [43]. Nasal administration of ketamine reduced the duration of aura in those with FHM by 42% [44]. Verapamil 5mg IV over 5min, followed by an oral maintenance dose of 120mg/day, reduced headache symptoms but had little impact on hemiplegia [45].
Some oral drugs can be used for prophylactic management. Verapamil 120mg, administered two to three times a day [24, 46, 47], reduced the intensity and impact of HM.Acetazolamide, 250–500mg, reduces the burden of attacks and nystagmus and is primarily used in cases related to the CACNA1A gene [22, 38]. Flunarizine 10mg daily [48], lamotrigine [42], and propranolol 10mg three to four times a day [46] have been tried. Memantine 10mg twice daily and dextromethorphan have been primarily used in individuals with the ATP1A2 variant [49]. Telcagepant [50] showed some therapeutic effects.
Botulinum neurotoxin type A utilizing the PREEMPT protocol, has shown improvement in patients with HM [51]. The use of CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) monoclonal antibodies such as galcanezumab in a family with PRRT2 mutation caused a >50% reduction of auras and pain frequency, analgesics con­sumption, and functional improvement. In another study, administering galcane­zumab for 3months in six patients reduced the severity of the attacks to moderate in half of them, motor weakness in four, and the MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment Test) score improved in ve. There was no change in the number of days with headache and the characteristics of aura [
52].
Gepants, small molecules with CGRP receptor antagonism activity, should be avoided during HM attacks due to the risk of worsening cerebral vasospasm [53]. Promising treatments, such as foramen ovale closure, have been described in ve different cases, potentially providing control over HM [54]. No studies have evaluated the presence of patent foramen ovale in groups of patients with HM to date.
1 Hemiplegic Migraine
13

1.9 Conclusion

Hemiplegic migraine is a rare disorder whose main clinical feature is the presence of motor symptoms frequently associated with other types of aura. The differential diagnosis, including stroke, epilepsy, and other conditions, is an important step. Because it is a disorder associated with ion channel disturbances, cortical spreading depression is the primary pathophysiological mechanism. Symptoms can be as severe as mental confusion, coma, and seizures. Acute treatment includes calcium channel blockers, but prophylaxis is limited. Natural history consists of a typical dramatic phase during the rst few years of life, with a favorable course afterward.

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Chapter 2
Migrainous Status
MauroEduardoJurno andLigiaBarrosde Oliveira

2.1 Introduction

Migrainous status is one of the most debilitating complications of migraine, charac­terized by a migraine attack lasting more than 72h, with persistent and uncontrol­lable symptoms resulting in signicant functional incapacitation. Although recognized by the International Classication of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3; code 1.4.1. Migrainous Status) [1], its pathophysiology and epidemiology remain poorly understood, with signicant gaps in its investigation and effective treat­ment [2, 3].
This chapter aims to discuss status migrainosus, using a clinical case observed by
the authors as the foundation for the discussion.

2.2 Pathophysiology

The exact pathophysiology of migrainous status is not fully understood, but it shares several characteristics with common migraine, such as activation of the trigemino­vascular system and central and peripheral sensitization [4].
Evidence suggests that migrainous status may have a biological basis distinct from common migraine, representing a more refractory and prolonged state that does not respond well to conventional therapies. Genetic studies indicate that spe­cic genetic variants may be associated with a higher susceptibility to more severe and prolonged migraine attacks [4].
M. E. Jurno (*) · L. B. de Oliveira Barbacena School of Medicine– FUNJOB and Minas Gerais State Hospital Foundation– FHEMIG, Barbacena, Brazil
Switzerland AG 2026 D. Uludüz et al. (eds.), Rare Causes of Headache Disorders, Headache,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-10242-3_2
17© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature
18
Furthermore, some research indicates that migrainous status may cause revers­ible structural changes in the brain, such as vasogenic edema and hypoperfusion, suggesting deeper involvement than typical migraine. However, such ndings are still rare and require validation through larger, controlled studies [4].
M. E. Jurno and L. B. de Oliveira

2.3 Case Presentation

The patient, a female, 35years old, reports having experienced a severe unilateral headache on the right side 4days before admission. The headache was character­ized as pulsatile, accompanied by intense nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. She denies having osmophobia. The episode began similarly to her usual migraine attacks. Still, this time the pain persisted for over 72h, continuously, despite using her routine medications, which include sumatriptan and non-steroidal anti­inammatory drugs (NSAIDs). She also took dipyrone and rested in a dark place, but found no relief from her painful symptoms and general malaise.
The patient notes that before the current episode, she had been experiencing episodic headaches two to three times a month, always triggered by stress and sleep deprivation. Typically, her episodes lasted between 12 and 24h, but they had never exceeded 48h. In the last 24h, she reported increasing difculty sleeping due to persistent pain and nausea, having vomited twice.
The patient has been diagnosed with migraine without aura since the age of 25. She reports that her most common triggers are stress, irregular sleep, and the men­strual period. She has no other signicant clinical comorbidities and denies chronic medication use except for migraine control. Patient’s mother has a history of migraine, controlled with preventive medications.
On physical examination, the patient was afebrile, with a blood pressure of 120/80mmHg and a heart rate of 76bpm. She appeared lucid and oriented but was visibly distressed, holding her head and adopting a posture suggestive of signicant discomfort. Neurological examination revealed no focal decits, and fundoscopy showed no abnormalities. There were no signs of neck stiffness or other meningeal irritation.
Based on the report of severe headache persisting for over 72h with inadequate response to usual treatment, the probable diagnosis is Migrainous Status. This con­dition is exacerbated by associated vomiting and other debilitating symptoms, char­acterizing a medical emergency.

2.4 Case Discussion

This is a typical case of status migrainosus in a patient with a history of migraine, triggered by stress and sleep deprivation. The progression to a prolonged crisis unresponsive to standard medications justies the need for a more aggressive
2 Migrainous Status
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approach, including intravenous (IV) therapies and hospital observation. Proper management can prevent complications such as the progression to chronic migraine and reduce the severe functional impact associated with the condition [37]. Given the refractoriness of the headache to standard treatments and its pro­longed duration, a more intensive management strategy in a hospital setting was warranted. The proposed plan included intravenous hydration with a saline solu­tion to address potential electrolyte imbalances and dehydration resulting from vomiting. Dexamethasone (8mg IV) was administered to reduce neuroinamma­tion and lower the risk of recurrence. Metoclopramide (10mg IV) was used to manage associated nausea and vomiting. Intravenous magnesium sulfate was added for its known prophylactic and crisis-modulating effects in refractory migraine. Additionally, an anticonvulsant such as intravenous valproic acid was considered due to its reported efcacy in treatment-resistant attacks. The patient was admitted for observation over the rst 24h to monitor clinical response and allow for timely adjustment of therapy as needed. With appropriate treatment, it is expected that the patient will show improvement within 24–48h, with a gradual resolution of symptoms. However, a subsequent evaluation should be considered to review long-term preventive medication and discuss the management of comor­bid conditions.

2.5 Clinical Characteristics

Epidemiological studies indicate that migrainous status is relatively uncommon, although it is often underreported. A survey conducted in Olmsted County, Minnesota, identied an age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate of 26.6 per 100,000 individuals per year, with a peak between the ages of 40 and 49, and a predominance among women.
Other studies suggest that between 3% and 20% of individuals with migraine may experience migrainous status at some point [5].
Risk factors for developing this condition include excessive use of pain medica­tions during attacks, sleep disturbances, stress, and lack of effective treatment for migraine attacks. One of the primary triggers includes irregular sleep patterns, both excess and deprivation, which are strongly associated with the risk of migrainous status recurrence. Patients with episodic migraine are also more likely to progress to chronic migraine if they experience recurrent migrainous status.
Additionally, migraine attacks resistant to acute pharmacological therapy increase the likelihood of complications, such as progression to chronic migraine and the development of medication dependency [6].