title: Effect of L-glutamine and isoniazid on torticollis and segmental dystonia.
abstract: Fourteen patients with spasmodic torticollis and other segmental dystonic syndromes, who were refractory to previous forms of therapy, were selected for treatment with drugs intended to elevate brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. These patients were simultaneously given diazepam, isoniazid, pyridoxine, and large doses of L-glutamine. Involuntary spasmodic activity improved to varying degrees in 7 patients; in 2 the dyskinesia became worse. Transient alteration of renal or hepatic function occurred in 6 patients and mild euphoria unrelated to neurological improvement in 8. Two patients are still being treated. Deficiency of GABA may be a factor in some patients with these disorders.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004421:Dystonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005973:Glutamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011736:Pyridoxine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014103:Torticollis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D005973:Glutamine; D011736:Pyridoxine; D003975:Diazepam; D007538:Isoniazid