Autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase in palatal myoclonus and epilepsy.
We report the presence of serum autoantibodies directed against glutamic acid decarboxylase in a patient with epilepsy and palatal myoclonus not associated with brain lesions. Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody reactivity was dependent on the presence of carboxy-terminal amino acids, similar to that reported in patients with stiff-man syndrome. Marked reduction in the frequency of epileptic attacks and improvement in palatal myoclonus occurred when benzodiazepine was administered and phenytoin was gradually tapered. Testing for anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies may be indicated in patients with palatal myoclonus and with convulsive disorders refractory to therapy.
Nemni
R
R
Department of Neurology, University of Milan, Istituto Scientifico S. Raffaele, Italy.
Braghi
S
S
Natali-Sora
M G
MG
Lampasona
V
V
Bonifacio
E
E
Comi
G
G
Canal
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D017029:Epilepsy, Complex Partial / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology*; D010160:Palate, Soft
D000906:Antibodies; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase