Probable trigeminal autonomic cephalgia in a 3-month-old male infant.
To my knowledge trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) have not previously been reported in infancy. The diagnosis is dependent on an accurate history, including parents noting any physical signs at the time of the episode. Obtaining a clear history can be challenging when such symptoms occur in preverbal children. Similarly, physical signs, being transient, may have resolved by the time the parents take the child to a doctor. In addition, the investigations may also be normal. In such circumstances, taking a photograph during an episode can confirm the diagnosis. I describe a case of probable trigeminal autonomic cephalgia starting in a 3-month-old male infant who presented with screaming episodes associated with characteristic changes seen on his face. Investigations, including cranial magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and urinary catecholamines, were normal. The diagnosis was confirmed from a photograph taken by the parents at the time of the attack. As the condition is very rare in young children, there is little information available in the literature on using treatment for prophylaxis or for aborting acute episodes in this age group.
Vaz
Irene
I
Warwick Hospital, UK. irene.vaz@swh.nhs.uk <irene.vaz@swh.nhs.uk>
D002395:Catecholamines / Q000652:urine; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D051303:Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000652:urine
D002395:Catecholamines