The syndrome of headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis mimicking acute ischemic stroke

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2008 Jul-Aug;17(4):246-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2008.02.010.

Abstract

Headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis is a benign condition with a transient ischemic attack-like presentation. We present a case of a 22-year-old man with episodes of right-sided weakness, global dysphasia, and right-sided homonymous hemianopsia associated with frequent vomiting. Systemic thrombolytic therapy was considered. A subsequent magnetic resonance image with diffusion-weighted images revealed normal findings. A diagnosis of headache with neurologic deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis was made based mainly on clinical symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. With the current pressure on "door-to-needle" time for thrombolysis, it is important to keep an open eye to stroke mimics and exclude them if possible. We, therefore, strongly advise considering noninvasive magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging in patients with unusual presentations (e.g., the vomiting in our patient) before thrombolysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aphasia / etiology
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnosis*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / cytology
  • Contraindications
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Hemianopsia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytosis / etiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Male
  • Migraine without Aura / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Migraine without Aura / diagnosis*
  • Migraine without Aura / etiology
  • Migraine without Aura / pathology
  • Paresis / etiology
  • Syndrome
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Vomiting / etiology*