An 11-year follow-up study of neonatal-onset, bath-induced alternating hemiplegia of childhood in twins

J Child Neurol. 2012 May;27(5):657-62. doi: 10.1177/0883073811436249. Epub 2012 Feb 28.

Abstract

The authors previously reported on the initial manifestations in a set of female twins, who presented soon after birth with bath-induced paroxysmal events each time they were immersed in a warm water bath. These episodes progressively ceased by the age of 36 months, replaced by paroxysmal episodes of alternating hemiplegia unrelated to water immersion. By age 4 years, the twins developed the classic features of alternating hemiplegia of childhood. Clinical outcomes at the age of 11 years are now reported. Standard and video-electroencephalograms showed a large, slow background activity followed by lower amplitude waves without focal abnormalities or other abnormal findings. This represents the first report on (a) alternating hemiplegia of childhood started with bath-induced paroxysmal episodes; (b) this condition in monozygotic twins; and (c) an 11-year follow-up study in which the twins continue to experience episodes of alternating hemiplegia in the setting of baseline cognitive impairment without epileptic episodes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Baths / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / etiology*
  • Female
  • Hemiplegia / complications*
  • Hemiplegia / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Twins, Monozygotic

Supplementary concepts

  • Alternating hemiplegia of childhood