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Pregabalin resolves refractory aparathyroid paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis.
1Desai Neurology Group, Upland, CA 91786, USA. William_S_Baek@hotmail.com
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|July 19, 2012
Summary
Pregabalin effectively treated choreoathetosis in a patient with hypoparathyroidism. This case report suggests pregabalin may be a viable treatment for movement disorders associated with parathyroid deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Parathyroid hormone deficiency can lead to movement disorders like choreoathetosis.
- Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis is a rare movement disorder.
- The efficacy of pregabalin in treating aparathyroid movement disorders is not well-established.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old woman with a 20-year history of choreoathetoid and ballistic movements post-parathyroidectomy presented with significant symptoms.
- The patient exhibited classic choreoathetoid movements and gait ataxia, with normal cognition and near-absent parathyroid hormone levels.
- Standard workup revealed no other abnormalities.
Findings:
- Treatment with pregabalin (100 mg three times daily) resulted in a complete resolution of the patient's choreoathetoid movements.
- The Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale score improved from 46 to 0 after pregabalin administration.
- This indicates a significant positive response to pregabalin therapy.
Implications:
- Pregabalin, a calcium channel α(2) δ-1 subunit modulator, shows potential in managing aparathyroid paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism by which pregabalin influences calcium metabolism in the basal ganglia.
- This case highlights a potential therapeutic option for a rare movement disorder linked to endocrine dysfunction.
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