Olfactory hallucinations during migraine in an adolescent with an MRI temporal lobe lesion.
OBJECTIVE
To report the first example of an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test in a patient with migraine and olfactory hallucinations and to provide additional evidence for a possible role of the temporal lobe in migraine.


BACKGROUND
The relationship between the temporal lobe and migraine with or without hallucinations is unclear and continues to evolve. Clinical and functional neuroimaging studies (positron emission tomography/single photon emission computed tomography) have lent support to the possibility of a relationship. Anatomical neuroimaging with computed tomography has previously been normal.


METHODS
The history and findings of an adolescent with migraine and olfactory hallucinations is reported.


RESULTS
Brain MRI demonstrated a mass in the temporal lobe.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance imaging should be considered in patients with olfactory hallucinations and migraine. In addition, the role of the temporal lobe in migraine warrants further study.
Department of Pediatrics (Neurology) University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
G
G
McAbee
A
A
Sagan
L
L
Winter
D000293:Adolescent; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology