Alternate numbness in the upper extremities as the initial symptom of basilar migraine: An electrophysiological evaluation using EEG power topography

A case of basilar migraine (BM) with alternate numbness as the initial symp tom is described. The patient's chief complaint was alternate numbness in t he right and left upper extremities. After angiography the patient fell int o a drowsy state, followed by excitation, and finally confusion, The EEG po wer topography showed slow alpha, theta and delta power in the right occipi tal area, and alternatively in the right and left parietal area. These find ings suggest that the cause of BM is not only based on a vasoconstriction m echanism, but also cortical spreading depression. BM should be suspected as a cause of sensory symptoms.