title: Novel use of zolpidem in cerebellar mutism syndrome.
abstract: Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) is a complication of posterior fossa surgery seen primarily in pediatric patients after resection of medulloblastoma. CMS is characterized by mutism, ataxia, hypotonia, and irritability. Currently, there is no therapy of proven efficacy. Zolpidem, although primarily used as a sedative, has been shown to alleviate mutism and promote arousal in similar neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Here, we describe a child with severe CMS in whom zolpidem seemed to increase arousal, accelerate the resolution of mutism, and decrease emotional lability. Our report suggests that clinicians should consider using zolpidem for patients with CMS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shyu
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: Mark M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Souweidane
authors.forename: Ira J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Dunkel
authors.forename: Stephen W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Gilheeney
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gershon
authors.forename: Yasmin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Khakoo
mesh_terms: D002526:Cerebellar Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D058785:GABA-A Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008527:Medulloblastoma / Q000601:surgery; D009155:Mutism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077334:Zolpidem
chemical_list: D058785:GABA-A Receptor Agonists; D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem