Hemiplegic Migraine and Verapamil

I posted recently regarding my 12 year old son who was diagnosed with Hemiplegic Migraine three weeks ago. He recovered fully then had a second episode three days ago, precipitating another hospital stay. This incident ocurred on the opposite side...left head pain, right weakness and paresis. He also had more significant disorientation this time. He spent most of the day following the attack in a state of extreme agitation (not like him) and emotional instability. I feel that the Migraine coupled with sleep deprevation were the culprits on these issues. Atavan was eventually given and he went to sleep, waking up 15 hours later without these symptoms, although he still had some mild neurological involvement (speech and weakness). Has anybody had experience with the agitation piece.

Also, a very competent Neurologist prescribed Topomax, then reconsidered, eventually settling on Verapamil. Does anybody have expereince with this medication.

Thank you.

I took Verapamil for a few years, but have better luck on metoprolol. I've been on that for several years now. My blood pressure is quite related to the pain.

I hope they're able to find something to help your son. It's difficult watching your child suffer.

My son was put on propanalol when he was about 5 or 6 for migraine, but he didn't tolerate it well. He has suffered from migraines since he was about 4 years old (he's now 25).

During a Migraine, our levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine fluctuate, sometimes a great deal. It's part of the Migrainous activity in the brain. That can cause quite a few symptoms including anxiety, panic, and agitation. I've never had a panic attack in my life other than during a Migraine.

Verapamil is often used for hemiplegic Migraine because it has a good history of working well for hemiplegic Migraine.

My Migraines are Migraine with and without aura, not hemiplegic, but verapamil is an important part of my preventive regimen. It works well for me and is also the best thing I've ever found for my high blood pressure.

Teri

I was prescribed verapamil, but it did not do anything for me. I do not have the hemiplegic type however.

I do understand the agitation. I will often feel like every nerve ending on my body is "on", making me hyper sensitive to touch and vibration as well as sound. That could certainly lead one to be quite agitated