Successful treatment of cerebellar ataxia and tremor in multiple sclerosis with topiramate: a case report

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2010 Nov-Dec;33(6):317-8. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e3181f84a39.

Abstract

We describe the clinical efficacy of topiramate for treatment of cerebellar dysfunction in a 33-year-old female patient with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. The patient presented severe ataxia and tremor precluding many activities of daily life. Topiramate was administered as a monotherapy and slowly tapered in to 150 mg daily without negative side effects. Treatment was well tolerated and led to a marked and lasting improvement of tremor as well as ataxia during an observation period of 2 years. Upon transient withdrawal of topiramate, ataxia and tremor worsened but were again improved after re-dosing of the drug. Multiple sclerosis immunotherapy was not changed in this period. In conclusion, topiramate may be a new therapeutic option to treat cerebellar tremor and ataxia in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / drug therapy*
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / etiology
  • Female
  • Fructose / adverse effects
  • Fructose / analogs & derivatives*
  • Fructose / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / physiopathology*
  • Off-Label Use
  • Topiramate
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tremor / drug therapy*
  • Tremor / etiology

Substances

  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Topiramate
  • Fructose