Knowing is recognising: a rare form of migrane

Key words: Severe headache, Dysarthria, Complex migraine attack

A 12-year-old competitive athlete was urgently hospitalised following an acute episode of severe headache, confusion, speech difficulties (dysarthria) and muscle weakness that began during physical activity. Despite the initial symptoms and some temporary anomalies in brain imaging and activity (EEG and MRI), blood tests and toxicological screenings were normal. The symptoms spontaneously and rapidly resolved after the administration of paracetamol. Given the family history and the clinical findings, the case was diagnosed as a complex migraine attack, likely triggered by intense exercise or environmental heat.