Aphasic and visual aura with increased vasogenic leakage: an atypical migrainosus status

J Neurol Sci. 2009 Oct 15;285(1-2):227-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2009.06.009. Epub 2009 Jul 1.

Abstract

The pathogenesis of migraine with aura has not been fully established yet. The release of vasoactive substances and intracranial extracerebral blood vessel vasodilatation are probably related to stimulation of meningeal blood vessels through trigeminal afferents. Here, we report a 67 year old woman developing migraine with aphasia and right hemianopsia, lasting 4 days in duration. After spontaneous recovery, she experienced the same symptoms without migraine lasting for 15 h. MRI, performed during this last episode, revealed increased perfusion and leakage of contrast into subarachnoid space. In migraine with prolonged aura hyperperfusion with vasogenic edema might explain cortical function impairment and contribute to neurological deficits.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aphasia / drug therapy
  • Aphasia / pathology*
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Flunarizine / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Functional Laterality
  • Hemianopsia / drug therapy
  • Hemianopsia / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Migraine with Aura / drug therapy
  • Migraine with Aura / pathology*
  • Subarachnoid Space / drug effects
  • Subarachnoid Space / pathology
  • Time Factors
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Flunarizine