A HaNDL case with papilledema mimicking transient ischemic attack

Abstract

The syndrome of transient headache and neurologic deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL), is a rare, benign, self-limiting syndrome that is not well known. Cerebrospinal fluid examination (CSF) on clinical suspicion has diagnostic value for this syndrome, which has a rich neurological symptomatology that can mimic many diseases causing mortality and morbidity. Although the ethiopathogenesis of this syndrome is not fully known, autoimmunity is thought to be in the foreground. Described in this article is a HaNDL case that on first clinic presentation appeared to be a transient ischemic attack (TIA) with temporary but recurring neurological findings and normal CSF pressure accompanied by papilledema. Clinical features, epidemiology, ethiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this syndrome are reviewed according to the literature.