A new case of idiopathic hemiplegia hemiconvulsion syndrome

Neurol Sci. 2010 Dec;31(6):799-805. doi: 10.1007/s10072-010-0286-5. Epub 2010 May 13.

Abstract

We report a new case of infantile idiopathic hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia syndrome (HH). A prolonged right-sided febrile convulsion was followed 4 days later, by right hemiconvulsive status epilepticus, documented by video-electroencephalogram (EEG) recording. The child developed an ipsilateral hemiplegia, partially improved during the first month of follow-up. Sequential cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at 6, 15, 30 days of follow-up showed a cytotoxic edema in the left hemisphere and a subsequent necrosis. At 1-year of follow-up, we performed MRI control because of febrile convulsion lasting few minutes that confirmed a non-progressive left hemisphere atrophy. After 2 years, the patient was seizure-free, with a mild right hemiplegia and language skills deficit. We discuss the unclear pathogenesis of HH through sequential neuroradiological evaluation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrophy
  • Brain Edema / complications
  • Brain Edema / metabolism
  • Brain Edema / pathology
  • Epilepsy, Partial, Motor / complications*
  • Epilepsy, Partial, Motor / metabolism
  • Epilepsy, Partial, Motor / pathology
  • Hemiplegia / complications*
  • Hemiplegia / metabolism
  • Hemiplegia / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Seizures, Febrile / complications
  • Seizures, Febrile / metabolism
  • Seizures, Febrile / pathology
  • Syndrome*