Child neurology: alternating hemiplegia of childhood.

Jeffrey R. Tenney, MD, PhD Mark B. Schapiro, MD Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of hemiplegia affecting either side of the body, abnormalities of ocular movement, movement disorders, and progressive developmental delay. Children with AHC often have a delay in diagnosis or are misdiagnosed. A broad differential diagnosis is necessary when considering this condition. The clinical features of AHC were first described more than 3 decades ago but its cause remains largely unknown and there is little treatment evidence available. Early diagnosis and multicenter collaboration are necessary to better understand the prognosis of AHC and develop more effective treatments.