The prevalence and characterization of premonitory symptoms have not been rigorously studied in children and adolescents. Using a questionnaire, we retrospectively studied the prevalence of 15 predefined premonitory symptoms in a clinic-based population. In 103 children and adolescents fulfilling the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn criteria for paediatric migraine, at least one premonitory symptom was reported by 69 (67%). The most frequently reported premonitory symptoms were face changes, fatigue and irritability. The mean number of premonitory symptoms reported per subject was 1.8 (median 2.2). Age, migraine subtype (with or without aura) and mean attack frequency per month had no effect on the mean number of premonitory symptoms reported per subject. In conclusion, premonitory symptoms are frequently reported by children and adolescents with migraine. Face changes seem to be a premonitory symptom peculiar to paediatric migraine.

Benign acquired and isolated asymmetrical palatal palsy is a rare condition in childhood. We report on three cases. Typical features include: sudden onset, abnormality of the palatal components of speech (rhinolalia), nasal escape of fluids from the ipsilateral nostril. It is supposed to be caused by viral infection, but attempts at viral isolation were unsuccessful. Complete spontaneous recovery is usual, taking a few weeks. Our paper seems to be the first report of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in this condition. It did not disclose any abnormalities in the 2 cases in which it was performed.

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