Journal article
Blinded placebo crossover study of gabapentin in primary orthostatic tremor
Movement Disorders, Vol.21(7), pp.900-905
2006
Abstract
Primary orthostatic tremor (OT) is a rare but disabling condition characterized by leg tremor and feelings of instability during stance. Previous studies have reported a reduction in OT symptoms with gabapentin treatment. In this study, we report on the benefits of gabapentin treatment in a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of 6 OT patients. First, the maximally effective gabapentin dosage (600–2,700 mg/day) for each patient was determined during an initial dose-titration phase. Patients were then studied 7 days after drug withdrawal and again after two 2-week periods of treatment with either gabapentin or placebo, using force platform posturography to quantify postural sway and tremor. Other medications for OT were continued unchanged. Symptomatic response was assessed by a patient-rated severity scale and quality of life (QOL) questionnaire. All patients reported an increase in symptoms during the washout phase and symptom reduction (50%–75%) during gabapentin treatment. Tremor amplitude was reduced to 79% ± 11% and sway area to 71% ± 11% of the placebo state. QOL improved in all patients, no adverse drug effects were noted, and symptomatic benefit was maintained at follow-up (mean = 19 months). The findings confirm that gabapentin is an effective treatment for OT, reducing both tremor and postural instability and improving quality of life, and support its use as add-on or first-line therapy for OT.
Details
- Title
- Blinded placebo crossover study of gabapentin in primary orthostatic tremor
- Authors/Creators
- J.P. Rodrigues (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaD.J. Edwards (Author/Creator) - Edith Cowan UniversityS.E. Walters (Author/Creator) - Movement Disorders Clinic, Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute, Western Australia, AustraliaM.L. Byrnes (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaG.W. Thickbroom (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaR. Stell (Author/Creator) - Sir Charles Gairdner HospitalF.L. Mastaglia (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
- Publication Details
- Movement Disorders, Vol.21(7), pp.900-905
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Identifiers
- 991005540138907891
- Copyright
- © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.82 Gait & Posture
- 1.82.751 Myoelectric Control
- Web Of Science research areas
- Clinical Neurology
- ESI research areas
- Neuroscience & Behavior