Hemiplegic Migraine

Migraine can present in a variety of ways. Hemiplegic migraine is a rare form of migraine where people experience weakness on one side of their body (hemiplegia) in addition to the migraine headache attack. The weakness is a form of migraine aura and occurs with other forms of typical migraine aura like changes in vision, speech or sensation. Our guest on today's show is Amber Blackburn. Amber is a Registered Nurse turned blogger and patient advocate for those with chronic illnesses. ​ Amber Blackburn is a Registered Nurse turned blogger and patient advocate for those with chronic illnesses. She was forced to leave the workforce after ten years as a nurse; this gave her the patient medical experience and perspective. Being diagnosed and living with a chronic illness has given her the experience of everyday living so she understands both sides of the coin. Amber lives with Systemic Lupus, Migraines, ​Fibromyalgia, Interstitial Cystitis, IBS, Anxiety, Depression and Adrenal Insufficiency secondary to long term steroid use. Since being forced to leave the traditional workforce due to her illnesses, she has become a strong patient advocate and blogger with her blog being "The World Sees Normal." Amber works with the Chronic Disease Coalition. She has had her work published by The Mighty, Yahoo and has been nominated for four WEGO Health Awards. She has published a symptom tracker for those with chronic conditions to track their symptoms and pain to share with their doctors. She understands the need for good communication between patients and doctors, but also support the chronic illness community, making sure those living with illnesses understand they are not alone or isolated.