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My question involves hemiplegic migraines. Just after I turned 41, I had a minor stroke. Ever since that time I have been stricken with hemiplegic migraines. I have no history of migraines or does anyone in my family that I know of. Could the stroke trigger the migraines? and do you have any other advice on these migraines? The neurologist that I am working with has me on Amitriptyline and Zanaflex. I also take Accupril and Verapamil for high blood pressure. Thank you, Cindy Brock

REPLY:

Dear Cindy:

As you know, there is a small chance of stroke-like events that can occur usually in the setting of a Migraine. So, the Migraines are felt to be responsible for causing the stroke and not the other way around. Some women (and men even more rarely) have biochemical predispositions to stroke-like events, called vasculopathies. These can sometimes be found during the course of a workup for the cause of a stroke. There are a number of tests that can be done to look for these predispositions: Antithrombin III levels, Protein S and C levels, sticky platelet profiles, homocysteine levels, etc.  Is there a history of stroke in your family?? High blood pressure itself has an association with Migraines as do many other cardiovascular conditions. Hopefully, your medications will not only prevent your migraines but also control the blood pressure. Good luck, John Claude Krusz

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