Intractable hiccups as the harbinger of a diffuse pontine glioma

Abstract

Hiccups are experienced by people of all ages. While acute hiccups are benign and self-limited, persistent and intractable hiccups can sometimes signal a serious disease. We present a young previously healthy man who complained of only hiccups for 4 months and later developed a severe headache and projectile vomiting. His systemic examination was within normal limits. Brain imaging revealed a diffuse pontine glioma with mild hydrocephalus.