Hemiplegic Migraine- Has it caused Nerve Damage?

[Decode]

Since I had a massive HM attack in September, my balance, walking and use of my left arm and leg has been painful and difficult. I use a walking stick to help.

I've tried doing research on this to find out if there is any options I could be doing already to improve this.

I am already doing physio but not sure if it actually helps.

Any advice or experience would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Jaxxi]

Hi Decode! I had a very intense HM in August. I was hospitalised with a suspected stroke or TIA, but MRI etc was clear. Since that time I have had pain, numbness and tingling in my left leg, which was quite badly affected during the HM. My balance was also affected, due to weakness in that leg. I have been building it up by walking and dancing, and the balance is back to normal now. The pain improved a lot when I started doing exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve. Massage of the vagus nerve areas combined with deep breathing sets off waves of tingling in the left leg, so I am certain it’s doing something in that area. I’m confident that it will be back to normal soon, but it has been a long haul. I’d be interested to know how yours progresses. Good luck with it!

[BitBrokenBrain]

I’ve had quite a few whopper HM’s that had motor skill symptoms that lasted weeks, but not months (yet). My physicians always tell me to watch for the stronger than usual episode in case it’s a stroke, but that the symptoms of my HM will eventually go away (impractical considering another one often comes before all the symptoms have subsided). I do a lot with diet to try to help my recovery - basically just trying to make sure I’m not slowing down the process by triggering more episodes. Trying to stick to a routine, making sure I’m getting enough rest/sleep and kind of organizing my home in a way that limits strain has made the residual pain a bit easier to manage. I sometimes have to wear a leg brace after the stronger HMs. One doc told me physical therapy isn’t helpful for this condition, but another said we might eventually add it to my care regimen. Going for walks (once safe) and stretching almost always helps with my pain the day following the HM. Not sure that it helps with other aspects of recovery, but definitely see improvement in the muscle pain.