title: High-dose piracetam is effective on cerebellar ataxia in patient with cerebellar cortical atrophy.
abstract: We describe a patient with cerebellar ataxia of degenerative nature who was administered high-dose piracetam in a single-blind trial. Piracetam was demonstrated to be highly effective on tandem gait and gait ataxia in daily doses of 60 g. We suggest piracetam has a potential anti-ataxic effect in human cerebellar ataxia when used in considerably higher doses than those indicated for other purposes.
authors.affiliation: Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders Unit 34303, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Melih
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vural
authors.forename: Sibel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ozekmekçi
authors.forename: Hülya
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Apaydin
authors.forename: Attila
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Altinel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy; D002524:Cerebellar Ataxia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002525:Cerebellar Cortex / Q000473:pathology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010889:Piracetam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013132:Spinocerebellar Degenerations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010889:Piracetam