Hi,
How are you? It is good that the tests done were normal. Researchers have indeed identified three genes linked with hemiplegic migraine. However, if you did not test positive, this can be due to sporadic hemiplegic migraine. Both preventive and abortive medications may also help provide relief. If the prescribed medication is not working, inform your doctor for proper management. Take care and do keep us posted.
After an "attack" and you fall asleep, do you feel better? How do you look physically when you are having an attack? Pale, dark circles under your eyes? Have you ever had an MRA?
I ask because my son has migraines and when his begin he is very pale with dark circles. Also, after he falls asleep, when he wakes up, it's like it didn't even happen. Drs explained to me that it's like a 'reset' button has been pressed. When he sleeps, the brain can re-boot and return to normal function.
I believe the MRA is similar to the MRI but looks at the arteries of the brain.
Also, did your dr mention the possibility of a seizure disorder? Have you ever tried Neurontin for the pain? It seems to help some people if the pain is possibly from a nerve misfiring. Topamax worked great for me but had many side effects. Are you currently on the max dose? You may want to try upping it if it is not at the max for you or adding nortriptyline. It's an old medicine but has been shown to be effective for migraine prevention in some people.
Please keep me posted!