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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this article, we review recent updates to the epidemiology, diagnostic testing, genetics, pathophysiology, and management of hemiplegic migraine.

Recent Findings

While three genes have been historically associated with hemiplegic migraine, recent studies suggest two additional genes may also be implicated including PPRT2 and SLC1A3.

Summary

Hemiplegic migraine is a severe subset of migraine with aura with symptoms including reversible hemiparesis in addition to other aura symptoms such as visual, sensory, or speech. The exact pathophysiology of hemiplegic migraine is not clear, but it is thought that this phenomenon is due to neuronal and glial depolarization causing cortical spreading depression. Due to the severity of presentation as well as the numerous mimickers, it is important to know a comprehensive differential and work-up. Given the low prevalence of the disease, most studies regarding treatment are limited to case studies. There is still an important need for further and larger studies regarding management of these cases.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

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Correspondence to Arathi Nandyala.

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Conflict of Interest

Arathi Nandyala: none.

Tulsi Shah: none.

Jessica Ailani:

-Stock/stock options: CtrlM (2022)

-Editorial Boards/Steering Committee: Medscape, NeurologyLive, Current Pain and Headache (Editor, Unusual Headache Syndromes), SELF magazine (medical editor)

-Leadership or fiduciary role in other board society, committee or advocacy group: American Headache Society (unpaid)

-Participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board: Aeon (migraine) and Gore (migraine)

-Consulting fees: Abbvie, Amgen, Axsome, Biohaven, BioDeliveryScientificInternational (2022), Eli-Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Lundbeck, Linpharma, Impel, Miravio, Pfizer, Neurolief, Neso, Satsuma, Theranica, Teva

-Grants or contracts from any entity: Clinical Trials (Grant to institution)—Abbvie (2021), Biohaven (2021), Eli-Lilly (2021), Satsuma (2022), Zosano (2021)

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Nandyala, A., Shah, T. & Ailani, J. Hemiplegic Migraine. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 23, 381–387 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-023-01277-z

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