[Hemiplegic migraine in childhood (author's transl)]

The first attack of hemiplegic migraine occurred in most cases between the 10th and 15th year of life in 14 children (8 boys and 6 girls). Most attacks took place with intervals of 3-6 and 6-12 months. Only rarely did they last longer than 24 hours. Precipitating factors (emotional and physical stress, change of weather, influence of light or heat) were given in 6 cases. As many as 7 children attended higher schools with good or average success. A family history, mainly from the maternal side, existed in 11 cases. Sensory symptoms were demonstrable in all children, motor symptoms in 9 and visual symptoms in 13. Ten children had speech disturbances. Hand, lower arm, cheek and tongue were most frequently involved in sensory and motor symptoms. Out of 9 attacks registered with an EEG severe focal signs (delta or theta-delta foci) were demonstrable contralaterally in all children, in 8 children there were also signs of generalized disturbances.