title: Epilepsy and cerebellar ataxia associated with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies.
abstract: Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies are described in stiff-person syndrome and also in other neurological syndromes, including cerebellar ataxia and epilepsy. This paper reports the case of a patient who had chronic focal epilepsy, upbeat nystagmus and cerebellar ataxia, associated with a polyautoimmune response including anti-GAD antibodies. Both gait and nystagmus improved markedly after immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine. After the introduction of benzodiazepines, previously refractory seizures were completely controlled. Anti-GAD antibodies should be actively sought out in pharmacoresistant epilepsy, particularly if other neurological abnormalities are present. Combined treatment with immunosuppressants and γhydroxybutyric acidergic agents may be highly effective.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital, rue Micheli-du Crest 24, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vulliemoz
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vanini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Truffert
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chizzolini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seeck