Benign paroxysmal tonic upgaze of childhood with ataxia. A neuro-ophthalmological syndrome of familial origin?

Dev Med Child Neurol. 1993 May;35(5):436-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.1993.tb11666.x.

Abstract

A new neuro-ophthalmological syndrome has been described recently, consisting of paroxysmal tonic upward deviation of the eyes with ataxia. Episodes occur daily and are always relieved by sleep. Onset is usually under one year of age and the symptoms gradually disappear during childhood. The authors describe three new patients in whom an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance was a constant finding, as well as clumsiness and delayed acquisition of independent gait. Treatment with levodopa was of clear benefit.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Ataxia / diagnosis
  • Ataxia / genetics
  • Carbidopa / therapeutic use
  • Eye Movements
  • Family
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Movement Disorders / diagnosis
  • Movement Disorders / drug therapy
  • Movement Disorders / genetics*
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / diagnosis
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / drug therapy
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / genetics*
  • Posture
  • Sleep
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Levodopa
  • Carbidopa