Peculiarities of Hemiplegic Migraine in Children

Abstract

The article describes the individual peculiarities of a rare disease — hemiplegic migraine — in 3 patients (two girls aged 2 and 14 years old and a boy of 16 years). In common clinical aspect there was a correlation between the migraine-attack and the slight head trauma in all patients. Attack symptoms were almost identical: hemiparesis, aphasia, ataxia. The family history for migraine was burdened in both girls. A genetic testing in the boy and in the smallest girl demonstrated CACNA1A gene mutation, in the teen girl — ATP1A2 gene mutation. The electroencephalograms in all patients during the acute phase presented signs of hemipcortical brain dysfunction. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed prominent but reversible hemicortical oedema. The repeated MRI studies diagnosed nonrelevant for this disease hemicortical atrophy (girl 2 years) and atrophy of the cerebellum (the boy). Due to the rarity of the disease so far there are no clear guidelines for its treatment and prevention. In view of the pathogenesis for the prevention patients were prescribed medications changing the activity of cytoplasmic calcium and sodium canals.