HaNDL syndrome

Disease Overview

Transient Headache and Neurologic Deficits With Cerebrospinal Fluid Lymphocytosis (HaNDL syndrome) is a headache disorder in which individuals experience severe to moderate headache attacks, neurological symptoms, and an increase in the amount of a type of white blood cell in the cerebrospinal fluid (lymphocytic pleocytosis).[13422] HaNDL syndrome is most often diagnosed in adulthood, although individuals with ages ranging from 7 to 52 have been reported with this condition. The most common neurological symptoms associated with HanDL syndrome include: weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis), a feeling of altered sensation down one side of the body (hemisensory disturbances), and a loss of the ability to understand or express speech (aphasia). These symptoms usually last between 15 minutes and 2 hours.[13423] The cause of HaNDL syndrome is not well understood; however, researchers have suggested a few potential causes, including migraines, inflammation of the tissue that lines the brain and spinal cord, and viral infections.[13423][13424] For some individuals, HaNDL syndrome may resolve without treatment, while for others, management of headache and neurological symptoms may be needed.[13422][13423]

Synonyms

• Migrainous syndrome with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis
• Syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis: HaNDL
• Pseudomigraine with temporary neurological symptoms and lymphocytic pleocytosis
• PMP syndrome
• Pseudomigraine with temporary neurologic symptoms and lymphocytic pleocytosis syndrome