Transient Headache and Neurological Deficits with cerebrospinal fluid Lymphocytosis (HaNDL) syndrome in children: case report and narrative review

HaNDL is a rare self-limiting syndrome affecting both adults and children. The etiology is unknown, but autoimmune mechanisms have been proposed. HaNDL is a diagnosis of exclusion: differential diagnoses include stroke, tumors, epilepsia, neuro-infective disorders, autoimmune encephalitis, vasculitis, hemiplegic migraine and migraine with aura. Usually, HaNDL episodes last less than 3 months; therapy is symptomatic. The diagnostic work out includes CSF analysis, neuroimaging and EEG. The treatment is symptomatic, and the course is self-limiting, usually resolving within 3 months.