[HaNDL is transient headache, neurological deficits and lymphocytic pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid].

Transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) is a syndrome also called a stroke mimic, as it can be difficult to differentiate from acute ischaemic stroke. This is a case report of a 31-year-old woman, who experienced acute neurological deficits and was treated with IV alteplase on suspicion of acute ischaemic stroke. She was later diagnosed with HaNDL. Every clinician working in acute neurology should have knowledge of this syndrome. Increased knowledge will help to diagnose and to differentiate from other potentially more harmful neurological states.