Am I having a stroke?

By anniea

1 min read

I was diagnosed with hemiplegic migraines about 4 years ago, but if I think back I have had symptoms since early in my childhood. Numbness in my face is usually the first sign, quickly followed by confusion and lack of coordination. Soon I loose the ability to choose my words or struggle to speak the words I want to say. All signs of a stroke, or TIA.

It’s terrifying when they hit, not only for me, but everyone around me. But that’s not the worst of it. The brain fog that last for several days after is almost just as frustrating as the migraine itself. But I am incredibly lucky to have an amazing support system to help me get through an attack. When a migraine attack happens, my husband and family is quick to respond with love and support. It can be a traumatic event, but knowing I have them by my side makes it just a little bit more bearable.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
Hi AnnieA, Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Hemiplegic migraine, HM, is a rare form of migraine. One of the hallmark symptoms is true motor weakness, not only numbness and tingling. You can see more about HM here; <a href='https://migraine.com/?s=hemiplegic+migraine' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/?s=hemiplegic+migraine</a>. Migraine with aura is scary and can include symptoms that you've described; brain fog, confusion, lack of coordination, numbness and tingling, difficulty finding and understanding words and more. You're not alone! Please keep us posted on how you are doing, Nancy
malkowa Member
I am too suffering from migraine and was on medication for many weeks, it was helping me from my pain but after few days my doc said that I am getting too addict to this drug Fioricet and he took me off. I was in so much pain that I started buying fioricet online from alexonlinepharmacy but eventually I was having this guilt and shame for not telling it to my family especially my husband. This migraine was making me weak physically and emotionally. This online buying of fioricet was stopped when I one day my 5 year old son asked me Mom what are you doing alone, I was having my pills, From that day I realised that it is wrong and stopped it completely. Now after several years I am happy with my family.
hanginon Member
So how do the docs determine that you are NOT having a TIA or stroke?
1. anniea Member
 It can be hard sometimes. In the beginning, I had many overnight hospital stays for observation. Now I’m treated for the migraine first. If my scans are clear and the muscle weakness completely reverses itself within a few hours, I’m not having a stroke or TIA. I can generally read my symptoms too. They come in patterns; facial drooping, confusion and lack of coordination are the usual warning signs. I’ve been getting them for so long now that I can recognize if something is off.

Community Poll

Do you feel comfortable advocating for yourself to your healthcare provider?