title: [Efficacy and tolerance of gabapentin in dystonia and hemifacial spasm: a pilot study].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Neurología y Neurocirugía funcional; Clínica Quirón, San Sebastián, 20012, España. neurotax@jet.es
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Linazasoro Cristóbal
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin