Head tremor related to CACNA1A mutations

Author(s):
Geerlings, R.P.J.; Koehler, P.J.; Haane, D.Y.P.; Stam, A.H.; Vries, B. de; Boon, E.M.J.; Haan, J.
Published
2011
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

Abstract

Introduction: Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is characterized by the familial occurrence of migraine attacks with fully reversible transient hemiplegia. Mutations in three different genes have been identified; CACNA1A (FHM1), ATP1A2 (FHM2) and SCN1A (FHM3). Besides hemiplegia, several other symptoms have been described in FHM 1-3 mutation carriers, including epilepsy and cerebellar symptoms. Case report: We describe two patients in whom hemiplegic attacks were not the presenting symptom, but in whom an otherwise unexplained head tremor led us to search for FHM mutations. Both patients carried a mutation in the CACNA1A gene. Discussion: CACNA1A mutations can give significant symptoms other than (hemiplegic) migraine as reason for presentation.

Hemiplegic migraine FHM1 CACNA1A cerebellar atrophy migraine epilepsy titubation head tremor familial hemiplegic migraine calcium-channel spectrum ataxia type-2 diagnosis epilepsy coma
Date issued
2011-09-30
Language
English
Is part of
Cephalalgia (2011), Vol. 31, no. 12, p. 1315-1319
hdl
1887/100797
doi
10.1177/0333102411414442