Basilar artery migraine in young children.

Eight children with recurrent attacks of neurologic dysfunction referable to the brainstem and cerebellum are reported. The episodes occur suddenly, clear completely, and leave the patient without residua. The most frequent signs are ataxia, alternating hemipareses, and vertigo. The majority of patients are girls, and most have the onset of the condition prior to the age of 4 years. Headache was definitely present in three children, and possibly present in four. A striking history of migraine was found in seven families, accounting for 16 affected relatives. Fifteen of these were female and 14 were on the maternal side. Follow-up of the children has not provided any evidence for progressive neurologic disease. The patient followed for the longest period of time has developed classic migraine.