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Gabapentin treatment in a child with delayed-onset hemichorea/hemiballismus
S V Kothare1, P Pollack, A G Kulberg
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care, Worcester 01655-0318, USA.
Insights
A child experienced involuntary movements like hemichorea and hemiballismus. Gabapentin treatment showed positive results, offering a potential solution for this movement disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Subacute onset of involuntary movements in a pediatric patient.
- Previous right parietal cortical and subcortical stroke identified as the presumed etiology.
- Evaluation for delayed-onset movement disorders in children.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old female presented with left-sided hemichorea/hemiballismus.
- Symptoms suggested a link to a prior stroke.
- Gabapentin was administered as a therapeutic intervention.
Findings:
- Gabapentin treatment demonstrated positive outcomes at the 6-month follow-up.
- The medication effectively managed the hemichorea/hemiballismus symptoms.
- Differential diagnosis for pediatric movement disorders was considered.
Implications:
- Gabapentin is a viable treatment option for pediatric hemichorea/hemiballismus secondary to stroke.
- This case highlights the importance of considering stroke as a cause of delayed-onset movement disorders in children.
- Further research into gabapentin's efficacy in similar pediatric cases is warranted.
Abstract:
A 13-year, 6-month-old female was evaluated for subacute onset of left-sided hemichorea/hemiballismus, with an old, right parietal, cortical, and subcortical stroke as the presumed cause. Treatment with gabapentin was initiated, with good results at 6-month follow-up. Discussion of the differential diagnosis and evaluation of delayed-onset movement disorders in children and the mechanism of action of gabapentin is included.