[Efficacy and tolerance of gabapentin in dystonia and hemifacial spasm: a pilot study].
BACKGROUND
The pharmacological management of dystonia is suboptimal. Focal dystonia and hemifacial spasm can be successfully managed with botulinum toxin injections. The physiopathology of dystonia remains a mystery. The gabaergic transmission may be involved in the origin of dystonia. Gabapentin is a gabaergic agent and therefore it can be useful in dystonia.


METHODS
28 patients with different forms of dystonia and hemifacial spasm were included in this open study. They received gabapentin (mean dose 1885 mg/d).


RESULTS
Gabapentin was not efficacious but a subgroup of 6 patients (3 with hemifacial spasm, 2 with posttraumatic dystonia and 1 with spasmodic torticollis) significantly improved. Gabapentin was well tolerated. Somnolence was the most commonly reported side effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Gabapentin may be useful in some patients with dystonia and hemifacial spasm. Double blind studies are clearly needed.
Linazasoro Cristóbal
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Centro de Neurología y Neurocirugía funcional; Clínica Quirón, San Sebastián, 20012, España. neurotax@jet.es
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000588:Amines; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D004421:Dystonia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D019569:Hemifacial Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014103:Torticollis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin