Intractable Hiccups as Presenting Symptom of Brainstem Tumor in Children

Hiccups are an unusual presenting symptom of brainstem tumors in children. An 8-year-old boy is described who presented with hiccups 2½ years prior to any major neurological manifestation. Central nervous system etiologies of hiccups are discussed. Intractable hiccups have seldom been described as a presenting symptom of brainstem tumors. We present a patient who presented to us with this symptom and a protracted course.