Abstract

BIBAS BONET, Hilda; CORONEL, Ana María; FAUZE, Ricardo  and  SIALLE, Marcela. Elevación paroxística de la mirada en niños. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2005, vol.103, n.2, pp.165-170. ISSN 0325-0075.

In 1988, Ouvrier and Billson described four patients with a new condition they termed "benign paroxysmal tonic upgaze of childhood". This neuro-ophthalmological disorder is characterized by onset during very early childhood of episodic tonic conjugate upgaze deviation with no alteration of consciousness. In attempted downgaze there are downbeating saccades. The episodes are relieved by sleep. The patients are otherwise neurologically intact, with the exception of mild ataxia. Metabolic studies, electroencephalograms and neuroradiological investigations are normal in typical cases. This syndrome appears to be distinctive and has a tendency to spontaneous recovery. The pediatrician should be aware of the possibility of this condition. The episodes may initially be misinterpreted as febrile convulsions, meningeal signs or epileptic crises. Its knowledge may reduce parental anxiety and avoid unnecessary tests or therapies. We report four new patients analyzing the clinical, genetic, and therapeutic aspects, as well as the main differential diagnoses.

Keywords : benign paroxysmal tonic upgaze; children; clinical significance.

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