[Headache with transient neurologic deficits and lymphocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid].

BACKGROUND

Patients with episodes of headache associated with transient neurologic deficits and lymphocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid have been reported over the last two decades.

METHODS

We present five patients without a prior history of migraine who experienced a limited series of 1-10 episodes of headache associated with transient neurologic deficits and lymphocytosis ranging from 85 to 500 x 10(6)/l in the cerebrospinal fluid.

RESULTS

Some patients had elevated protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and focal EEG pathology. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, blood tests and imagining investigations did not give plausible aetiological explanations.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of this syndrome is good. Its aetiology is unknown. It is reasonable to search for neurotropic viruses in future cases.