title: Episodic cervical dystonia associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux. A case of adult-onset Sandifer syndrome.
abstract: Sandifer syndrome is a dystonic movement disorder described in children with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux. We now report a patient who had the features of Sandifer syndrome first developing in adult life. Onset of dystonic episodes followed closely the occurrence of a Bell's palsy, while symptoms of peptic oesophagitis had been present for several months beforehand. Successful symptomatic treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux was accompanied by cessation of the dystonic episodes. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms of the abnormal movements in Sandifer syndrome are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Medunsa Ga-Rankuwa, PO Box 108, 0204, Medunsa, South Africa.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shahnawaz
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: van der Westhuizen
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Gledhill
mesh_terms: D017668:Age of Onset; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000150:complications*; D004421:Dystonia / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D013577:Syndrome