title: Effect of acetazolamide for long-lasting paroxysmal dystonia in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report and review of literature.
abstract: Dystonia is a rare manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS), but it always interferes with the functional performance and quality of life. We report a rare case of long-lasting paroxysmal dystonia associated with MS. The patient was a 40-year-old woman with relapsing- remitting MS for 6 years. During the latest attack of MS, she suffered from long-lasting paroxysmal dystonia in her left hand. Despite treatment with pulse high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, interferon, and baclofen, along with occupational therapy, the dystonia persisted and significantly bothered her daily activities. Finally, she was treated with oral acetazolamide (250 mg, three times a day for 4 days), which was very effective for the control of her dystonia. The dystonic movement subsided without recurrence in a follow-up of 17 months. We advocate this effective and safe treatment for patients with paroxysmal dystonia associated with MS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Pei-Chun
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Shu-Min
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yao-Hong
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Ta-Shen
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Kuan
authors.forename: Wei-Jang
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.forename: Wen-Chen
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Yu-Ching
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Lin
keywords: acetazolamide; dystonia; movement disorders; multiple sclerosis; rehabilitation