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Perverted head-shaking and positional downbeat nystagmus in pregabalin intoxication
Jeong-Yoon Choi1, Young-Min Park2, Yeon Sun Woo2
1Department of Neurology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, South Korea.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|December 26, 2013
Summary
Pregabalin overdose can cause unusual eye movements, specifically perverted head-shaking and downbeat nystagmus. These oculomotor signs suggest cerebellar dysfunction from reduced brainstem signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dizziness and ataxia are established adverse effects of pregabalin.
- Oculomotor signs associated with pregabalin intoxication are not well-documented.
Observation:
- A patient presented with perverted head-shaking and positional downbeat nystagmus.
- These symptoms occurred after the patient was prescribed a high dosage of pregabalin.
Findings:
- Pregabalin intoxication can manifest with specific oculomotor abnormalities.
- The observed signs include perverted head-shaking and positional downbeat nystagmus.
Implications:
- These findings suggest that pregabalin may induce cerebellar dysfunction.
- Reduced central nervous system excitatory neurotransmitter secretion by pregabalin could lead to these neurological signs.
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