Diphenhydramine is effective in the treatment of idiopathic dystonia.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) in the treatment of patients with idiopathic truncal dystonia.


METHODS
Before-and-after trial.


METHODS
University referral center.


METHODS
Five consecutive patients with idiopathic truncal dystonia who were poorly treated with conventional pharmacotherapies. No patients were withdrawn from the trial for adverse side effects.


METHODS
Treatments with diphenhydramine hydrochloride (50 mg intravenously or up to 500 mg/kg orally). Follow-up for up to 20 months.


METHODS
Dystonia evaluation.


RESULTS
Diphenhydramine therapy was associated with minimal side effects, and it was most effective in treating patients with dystonia who experienced lightning jerks. Treatment with intravenous diphenhydramine may have a predictive value on a future response to oral therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Diphenhydramine should be considered a therapeutic option for idiopathic truncal dystonia with lightning jerks.
Truong
D D
DD
Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, USA.
Sandroni
P
P
van den Noort
S
S
Matsumoto
R R
RR
D000328:Adult; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004421:Dystonia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D004155:Diphenhydramine