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Published on: June 2, 2014
Migraine with unilateral motor symptoms: a case-control study
William B Young1, Kaanchan S Gangal, Raoul J Aponte
1Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. william.b.young@jefferson.edu
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|October 24, 2006
Summary
Migraine with unilateral motor symptoms (MUMS) presents with significant weakness, sensory changes, and can be misdiagnosed as stroke. This severe migraine syndrome is common in specialized headache centers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Migraine with unilateral motor symptoms (MUMS) is a distinct clinical entity.
- Understanding its specific features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical presentation of non-familial MUMS.
- To compare MUMS patients with migraine patients lacking weakness.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 24 MUMS patients and 48 controls from a tertiary headache center.
- Structured interviews and review of psychiatric assessments (BDI, MMPI) were conducted.
Main Results:
- MUMS patients consistently reported subjective and objective weakness (arm/leg), often with a 'give-way' character.
- Sensory symptoms (92%) and a rostrocaudal march of symptoms were frequent; weakness was ipsilateral to headache in two-thirds.
- MUMS patients reported more allodynia and adjustment disorders, and were frequently misdiagnosed with stroke.
Conclusions:
- A severe migraine syndrome with 'give-way' weakness is prevalent in tertiary headache centers.
- This syndrome is associated with other neurological symptoms and can be mistaken for stroke.
