hemiplegic migraine (possibly?)

[jcm0114]

I was recently admitted to the hospital for a severe headache and left side weakness and numbness from my face to my toes.  And balance issues to the point that I couldn't stand for more than a second or two and walking was almost out of the question. Had an MRI, spinal tap (because I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri in 2010, so both the docs and me thought it was that, however the csf pressure result was normal).  MRI was also normal. I never got a diagnosis from the docs and I was discharged after 4 days, even though I was not okay and am still not okay. My head is pounding, sensitive to high pitched sound especially, seeing bright spots in my vision, and my balance has only improved a little bit, numbness and weakness seemingly no improvement. I'm not sure why I was discharged still this way...I mean, the physical therapist was expecting to see me again the next day and work with me a bit and even said I might need a walker for a while.  Then the neuro came in later and told me they were discharging me soooooo I'm confused but anyway they wrote me a script for physical therapy.
I have a few questions though.  My aunt who used to be a nurse mentioned that it could be hemiplegic migraines. If this was one of those, how long could these symptoms last? I thought they were supposed to go away after a couple but this is day 8 and no improvement really.   And does would PT help ?  Has it helped anybody that something like my situation has happened to?

[Ball123]

I hope you will get better.
Please keep us posted!

[jcm0114]

Thanks for your response.
I'm seeing my usual neurologist tomorrow so I'm hoping he has some insight.
They had me on depakon and zofran at the hospital.  But didn't write a script for either. oh and methazolamide for pseudotumor, even though my csf pressure was normal this time.

So I was left feeling really confused and also concerned...since there's not much improvement.  But anyway, I will see my neurologist tomorrow.

[Ball123]

I would try to get a neurologist for a second opinion as fast as possible.

Did they put you on any meds?

It can definitely be hemiplegic migraine and even though most attacks resolve within a few days some can go on for longer time.

Even if this resolves I think you should try to see a skilled doctor who can follow up on this. You need a strategy to deal with this if it happens again.