Hemiplegic migraine

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I have been diagnosed with hemiplegic migraines a week ago, my life has been turned upside down. Im unable to go back to work until I've adjusted
To my medication and my attacks have calmed down. I love my job. Until
I'm well enough
To work I'm stuck without money 😢 does anyone know of what options I have
?
Ive
Read online I can't
Claim pip until after 6 months. Anyone
Else
Going through the same thing?

Hi else!

I was diagnosed the same 5 years ago. Completely turned my life upside down... they put me on blood thinners but really didn't try much else to help me. It wasn't until I started doing my own research and worked things out for myself that things changed. I'm now no longer on any meds, I was on the combined pill at the time and that had been the trigger. I get one now every 2 years and keep them at bay with loads of exercise and a healthy diet and when I do have one I have the nasal sumatriptan (this worked the best for me over the tablet or injection)

I also know my warning signs, I get extreme thirst and fatigue the day before so when that happens I stop everything and listen to my body.

It also really helped to let close friends and family know everything, as well as people at work so when I have had the warning signs everyone backs away and knows I need to rest.

Stay positive though, it does get easier! Xx

Hi OP, I was diagnosed a few years ago after being admitted to the hospital because they thought I was having a stroke.
I now take propranolol and can no longer take any form of contraceptive meds. My first episode lasted a few weeks. Since then I've only had 2 episodes that lasted that long. Some times j nust get a slight weakness in my hands. Because I didnt need extended periods off work, I wouldn't know about PIP, sorry. Just wanted to let you know that it may not always be bad.

You might be eligible for ESA
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/

Check with CAB

There were two types of ESA
Contribution based based on NI contribution
And
Income based if you didn’t have NI contributions - I think this one is now been replaced by Universal Credit.

DH claimed the contribution one for a while when an injury meant he couldn’t work.

I am so sorry for you, hemiplegic migraine (any migraine!), is horrible. I had hemiplegic migraine when I was on HRT, it stopped when I stopped taking it.

Years before that I regularly had migraine whilst on the pill - which stopped when I stopped the pill.

I hope you find a solution, it is so unpleasant.

If you are eligible for ESA you also get other help such as free dental care, help with the cost of glasses and prescriptions.

@Thelnebriati I dint think you are if you're claiming contribution based ESA.

I get hemiplegic migraines too. The best thing you can do is work to find what triggers yours, what changes you can make to prevent them and try to implement those changes. It's not easy... I've been trying over 25 years and still struggle at times!

@Wizza1 and @LifeAsWeKnow apologies if you're already aware but triptans and propanolol are contraindicated in hemiplegic migraines because of the risk of stroke and permanent damage. I had been using Zomig nasal sprays (zolmitriptan) which really did help but then recently discovered I shouldn't be taking it at all. I spoke to my GP about it who said she'd never heard of any such contraindications and checked her medicines compendium thing...again nothing mentioned, so she went to speak to the surgery pharmacist who confirmed that it was true. They spent ages researching it then my GP actually called a neurologist at the hospital (ended up speaking to two of them) who also confirmed that people with hemiplegic migraines shouldn't be taking these drugs. The GP was shocked. I was even more shocked. I've moved around a lot and been treated by literally dozens of doctors around the UK and not one has ever picked up on this. Anyway, I only found out by accident recently so wanted to give you a heads up. It's definitely worth contacting your GPs for advice. The British National Formulary (I think it's called!) apparently doesn't mention the contraindications but can be confirmed with pharmacists, neurologists and apparently there's lots of info available specifically for doctors online too.

I'm not going to lie, it's a pain in the butt (especially since the zolmitriptan was the only thing that's ever helped me! ) but I'm glad I know now about the issues and I hope it helps some of you too.