Use of buspirone for treatment of cerebellar ataxia. An open-label study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of buspirone hydrochloride, a serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine1A) agonist, in treating patients with cerebellar ataxia.


METHODS
Open-label study in which 20 patients (14 with cerebellar cortical atrophy and six with olivopontocerebellar atrophy) received buspirone hydrochloride, up to 60 mg/d, for 8 weeks.


METHODS
Research hospital.


METHODS
Clinical, physiological, and psychological assessment.


RESULTS
Nine patients with mild or moderate cerebellar dysfunction who completed the study showed significant improvement in clinical and self-assessment ratings, but not in a motor performance test, posturography (data were incomplete), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. Seven patients with severe cerebellar dysfunction who completed the study had no improvement on any measure.


CONCLUSIONS
Buspirone may be effective in treating mild to moderate cerebellar ataxia. A double-blind study of the efficacy of buspirone in cerebellar ataxia is warranted.
Lou
J S
JS
Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md, USA.
Goldfarb
L
L
McShane
L
L
Gatev
P
P
Hallett
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D002065:Buspirone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002524:Cerebellar Ataxia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012647:Self-Assessment; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D002065:Buspirone