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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
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Gabapentin-induced Multifocal Myoclonus.
Lakshmi Priya1, Venkata A Alamanda2, Mahendra Javali3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Corresponding Author.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|August 20, 2024
Summary
Gabapentin can cause multifocal myoclonus, a movement disorder, in elderly patients even with normal kidney function. This side effect resolves after discontinuing the medication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gabapentin is a common treatment for neuropathic pain.
- It is generally well-tolerated but can cause toxicity in some patients, particularly the elderly.
Observation:
- An elderly male with normal renal function was prescribed gabapentin for neuropathic pain.
- Within days of starting gabapentin, he developed widespread multifocal myoclonus.
Findings:
- The patient's multifocal myoclonus resolved completely after gabapentin was discontinued.
- This suggests a direct link between gabapentin use and the development of myoclonus.
Implications:
- Acute hyperkinetic movement disorders like myoclonus in the elderly necessitate a review of recent medications, especially gabapentin.
- Clinicians should consider gabapentin as a potential cause of myoclonus, even in patients with normal renal function.
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