Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Piracetam has been proven to be effective and well tolerated in the treatment of myoclonus in short-term studies. OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Neurologic outcome (at the 1st, 6th, 12th, and 18th month of treatment) was assessed by an adjusted sum score of the following 3 indices: motor impairment, functional disability, and global assessment of disability due to myoclonus. Severity of other neurologic symptoms (seizure frequency and severity, dysarthria, and gait ataxia) also was assessed. Treatment with piracetam was initiated at a dose of 3.2 g/d that was gradually increased until stable benefit was noted (maximal dose in the trial was 20 g/d). Concomitant antiepileptic drugs were maintained at their previous dose. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement in the total rating score was observed after introduction of piracetam at the 1st, 6th, and 12th month of treatment. Severity of other neurologic symptom scores did not improve significantly. Two patients reported drowsiness during the first 2 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | M Fedi, D Reutens, F Dubeau, E Andermann, D D'Agostino, F Andermann |
Journal | Archives of neurology
(Arch Neurol)
Vol. 58
Issue 5
Pg. 781-6
(May 2001)
ISSN: 0003-9942 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11346373
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Anticonvulsants
- Nootropic Agents
- Piracetam
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Anticonvulsants
(therapeutic use)
- Disability Evaluation
- Disease Progression
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Epilepsies, Myoclonic
(drug therapy, physiopathology)
- Female
- Humans
- Longitudinal Studies
- Male
- Nootropic Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Piracetam
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Safety
- Treatment Outcome
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