Syndrome of continuous muscle-fiber activity: increased CSF GABA and effect of dantrolene.
In a patient with a syndrome of continuous muscle fiber activity, peripheral nerve block completely abolished the EMG discharges. Reduction of spontaneous discharges by epidural block and demonstration of a silent period after the H response suggested that the disorder may originate in the spinal cord or ventral roots, sparing inhibitory influences on the alpha-motoneuron to some extent. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) content in CSF was remarkably increased. Therapeutically, dantrolene sodium was as effective as phenytoin or carbamazepine.
D000293:Adolescent; D003620:Dantrolene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006181:H-Reflex; D006801:Humans; D009222:Myotonia / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D009407:Nerve Block; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013577:Syndrome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*
D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D003620:Dantrolene