Alternating hemiplegia of childhood: successful treatment with topiramate and flunarizine, a case report

Ann Trop Paediatr. 2011;31(2):149-52. doi: 10.1179/1465328111Y.0000000007.

Abstract

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare neurological disorder which usually presents before 18 months of age and is characterised by recurrent alternating episodes of hemiparesis. A single effective treatment for this condition is yet to be established; flunarizine is currently the most widely used but with varying degrees of success. An 18-month-old child presented with AHC and treatment with a combination of topiramate and flunarizine made a significant difference in controlling the frequency and severity of the attacks. This possibly allowed a better developmental outcome than in most children with this condition. Topiramate combined with flunarizine for treating AHC has much potential for further research.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage*
  • Flunarizine / administration & dosage*
  • Fructose / administration & dosage
  • Fructose / analogs & derivatives*
  • Hemiplegia / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Topiramate
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Topiramate
  • Fructose
  • Flunarizine

Supplementary concepts

  • Alternating hemiplegia of childhood