A frightening attack of sudden onset of unilateral weakness (one-sided weakness).
Weakness may involve face/arm/leg.
If the right side of the body is the affected side, the individual may not be able to speak.
May be triggered by mild head injury.
There is a familial form, with a first degree relative affected. (i.e., father, mother, uncle, aunt)
The headache follows the onset of weakness.
The weakness may last one hour to days, but usually resolves in 24 hours.
The familial form has been identified on chromosome 19 in 50%-60% of cases.
Other causes of acute onset weakness must be considered before the diagnosis is made.
Next headache type: chronic daily headache