title: Gabapentin for the treatment of hemifacial spasm.
abstract: Pharmacologic therapy for hemifacial spasm is often limited by the paucity of effective medications and problems with side effects. Gabapentin is a novel antiepileptic drug that is generally well tolerated. Its anticonvulsant effect is independent of gamma-aminobenzoic acid (GABA) receptor mechanisms. We report a patient with hemifacial spasm who responded well to gabapentin therapy. Gabapentin may be a useful alternative medical therapy to currently used drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield 62794-1316, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Naritoku
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013035:Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin