Treatment of sporadic hemiplegic migraine with calcium-channel blocker verapamil.

Gene mutations within the P/Q type neuronal calcium channel in familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) suggest a therapeutic role for calcium-channel blockade. The authors have previously reported abortive therapy of FHM with IV verapamil. Here the authors describe four cases of sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM) responsive to verapamil, administered either orally or IV. The findings indicate that verapamil is effective therapy for both SHM and FHM.