Gabapentin in the treatment of hemifacial spasm.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin in the treatment of hemifacial spasm.


METHODS
Twenty-three patients with hemifacial spasm not suitable for surgery or therapy with botulinum toxin were treated with gabapentin. The main efficacy parameter was the percentage of spasm reduction.


RESULTS
A clinically significant reduction of spasms was obtained by 16 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Gabapentin was effective and safe in reducing hemifacial spasm in 16 out 23 (69.6%) patients.
Daniele
O
O
Istituto di Neuropsichiatria - Università di Palermo, Italy. odaniele@neuro.unipa.it
Caravaglios
G
G
Marchini
C
C
Mucchiut
L
L
Capus
P
P
Natalè
E
E
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D019569:Hemifacial Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin