The Treatment of Runner's Dystonia With Zolpidem and a Device Inducing Hanger Reflex

Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions that result in abnormal, often repetitive movements, postures, or both. Zolpidem has been reported as an effective treatment for dystonia. We describe the case of a 24-year-old male long-distance runner with dystonia who successfully resumed competitive running by using a combination of a hanger reflex-inducing device and treatment with zolpidem. The patient presented with a sensation of weakness in his right foot while running. Video analysis of the running gait confirmed internal to external rotation of the right lower limb. At treatment initiation, a wrist-type hanger reflex induction device was adapted for use on the right ankle. At three months, the patient was able to run up to 20 km without any symptoms. He was subsequently prescribed zolpidem, which ultimately helped him to complete a full marathon without experiencing any symptoms. This report suggests that the combination of zolpidem and a hanger reflex device may be a promising, noninvasive treatment option for runner's dystonia.