title: Tabetic lightning pains: high-dosage intravenous penicillin versus carbamazepine therapy.
abstract: The relief of tabetic lightning pains (LP) by carbamazepine (CBZ) was questioned as in some instances penicillin was given simultaneously. Only 1 out of 6 cases became pain-free on high-dosage intravenous penicillin, while CBZ rapidly abolished LP in those unresponsive to penicillin. Gastric crises were similarly abated by CBZ in 1 case under a placebo-controlled study. Inflammatory and degenerative changes in the posterior nerve root and ganglia may be the underlying pathologic basis that explains these two different responses to penicillin.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010406:Penicillins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013606:Tabes Dorsalis / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D010406:Penicillins; D002220:Carbamazepine