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Kamath A, Huang WC, Madill SA. How should I approach and manage adult-onset oscillopsia? Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:2246-2252. [PMID: 38773260 PMCID: PMC11306328 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03130-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Oscillopsia is the sensation of illusory movement within the visual percept leading to a degradation of visual functioning and quality of life. The constellation of conditions manifesting with oscillopsia marks the overlap between ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology. The purpose of this article is therefore to review the aetiologies of oscillopsia and provide pathways for investigation and treatment of processes that associate oscillopsia with intrusive ocular movement and for processes manifesting as oscillopsia in the absence of intrusive ocular movement. Points for referral are also included for the diagnoses that are more appropriately investigated and managed by allied medical specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archith Kamath
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Chalmers Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA, UK
| | - Wen Chun Huang
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Chalmers Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA, UK
| | - Stephen A Madill
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Chalmers Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA, UK.
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2
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Cornforth E, Schmahmann JD. Physical Therapy and Aminopyridine for Downbeat Nystagmus Syndrome: A Case Report. J Neurol Phys Ther 2024:01253086-990000000-00067. [PMID: 38898545 DOI: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Individuals with downbeat nystagmus (DBN) syndrome present with DBN, dizziness, blurred vision, and unsteady gait. Pharmacological intervention with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) may be effective in improving oculomotor function, but there is minimal evidence to date that it improves gait. This suggests the possible benefit of combining pharmacotherapy with physical therapy to maximize outcomes. This case report documents improvements in gait and balance after physical therapy and aminopyridine (AP) in an individual with DBN syndrome. CASE DESCRIPTION The patient was a 70-year-old man with a 4-year history of worsening dizziness and imbalance, diagnosed with DBN syndrome. He demonstrated impaired oculomotor function, dizziness, and imbalance, which resulted in falls and limited community ambulation. INTERVENTION The patient completed a customized, tapered course of physical therapy over 6 months. Outcome measures included the 10-meter walk test, the Timed Up and Go (TUG), the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the modified clinical test of sensory integration and balance. OUTCOMES Improvements exceeding minimal detectable change were demonstrated on the TUG and the DGI. Gait speed on the 10-meter walk test did not change significantly, but the patient was able to use a cane to ambulate in the community and reported no further falls. DISCUSSION Controlled studies are needed to explore the potential for AP to augment physical therapy in people with DBN syndrome. Physical therapists are encouraged to communicate with referring medical providers about the use of AP as pharmacotherapy along with physical therapy for individuals with DBN syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Cornforth
- Author Affiliations: MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA and Department of Physical Therapy, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA (E.C.); and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Ataxia Center, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Boston, MA (J.D.S.)
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3
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Pellerin D, Heindl F, Wilke C, Danzi MC, Traschütz A, Ashton C, Dicaire MJ, Cuillerier A, Del Gobbo G, Boycott KM, Claassen J, Rujescu D, Hartmann AM, Zuchner S, Brais B, Strupp M, Synofzik M. GAA-FGF14 disease: defining its frequency, molecular basis, and 4-aminopyridine response in a large downbeat nystagmus cohort. EBioMedicine 2024; 102:105076. [PMID: 38507876 PMCID: PMC10960126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GAA-FGF14 disease/spinocerebellar ataxia 27B is a recently described neurodegenerative disease caused by (GAA)≥250 expansions in the fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) gene, but its phenotypic spectrum, pathogenic threshold, and evidence-based treatability remain to be established. We report on the frequency of FGF14 (GAA)≥250 and (GAA)200-249 expansions in a large cohort of patients with idiopathic downbeat nystagmus (DBN) and their response to 4-aminopyridine. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of 170 patients with idiopathic DBN, comprising in-depth phenotyping and assessment of 4-aminopyridine treatment response, including re-analysis of placebo-controlled video-oculography treatment response data from a previous randomised double-blind 4-aminopyridine trial. FINDINGS Frequency of FGF14 (GAA)≥250 expansions was 48% (82/170) in patients with idiopathic DBN. Additional cerebellar ocular motor signs were observed in 100% (82/82) and cerebellar ataxia in 43% (35/82) of patients carrying an FGF14 (GAA)≥250 expansion. FGF14 (GAA)200-249 alleles were enriched in patients with DBN (12%; 20/170) compared to controls (0.87%; 19/2191; OR, 15.20; 95% CI, 7.52-30.80; p < 0.0001). The phenotype of patients carrying a (GAA)200-249 allele closely mirrored that of patients carrying a (GAA)≥250 allele. Patients carrying a (GAA)≥250 or a (GAA)200-249 allele had a significantly greater clinician-reported (80%, 33/41 vs 31%, 5/16; RR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.23-5.41; Fisher's exact test, p = 0.0011) and self-reported (59%, 32/54 vs 11%, 2/19; RR, 5.63; 95% CI, 1.49-21.27; Fisher's exact test, p = 0.00033) response to 4-aminopyridine treatment compared to patients carrying a (GAA)<200 allele. Placebo-controlled video-oculography data, available for four patients carrying an FGF14 (GAA)≥250 expansion, showed a significant decrease in slow phase velocity of DBN with 4-aminopyridine, but not placebo. INTERPRETATION This study confirms that FGF14 GAA expansions are a frequent cause of DBN syndromes. It provides preliminary evidence that (GAA)200-249 alleles might be pathogenic. Finally, it provides large real-world and preliminary piloting placebo-controlled evidence for the efficacy of 4-aminopyridine in GAA-FGF14 disease. FUNDING This work was supported by the Clinician Scientist program "PRECISE.net" funded by the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (to CW, AT, and MSy), the grant 779257 "Solve-RD" from the European's Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (to MSy), and the grant 01EO 1401 by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (to MSt). This work was also supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) N° 441409627, as part of the PROSPAX consortium under the frame of EJP RD, the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases, under the EJP RD COFUND-EJP N° 825575 (to MSy, BB and-as associated partner-SZ), the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (grant 2R01NS072248-11A1 to SZ), the Fondation Groupe Monaco (to BB), and the Montreal General Hospital Foundation (grant PT79418 to BB). The Care4Rare Canada Consortium is funded in part by Genome Canada and the Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI-147 to KMB), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR GP1-155867 to KMB), Ontario Research Foundation, Genome Quebec, and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation. The funders had no role in the conduct of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pellerin
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Heindl
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Carlo Wilke
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matt C Danzi
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andreas Traschütz
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Catherine Ashton
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Neurology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marie-Josée Dicaire
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexanne Cuillerier
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Giulia Del Gobbo
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kym M Boycott
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jens Claassen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; MediClin Klinik Reichshof, Reichshof-Eckenhagen, Germany
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annette M Hartmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Zuchner
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bernard Brais
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Réadaptation Lucie-Bruneau, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany.
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Pellerin D, Danzi MC, Renaud M, Houlden H, Synofzik M, Zuchner S, Brais B. Spinocerebellar ataxia 27B: A novel, frequent and potentially treatable ataxia. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1504. [PMID: 38279833 PMCID: PMC10819088 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hereditary ataxias, especially when presenting sporadically in adulthood, present a particular diagnostic challenge owing to their great clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Currently, up to 75% of such patients remain without a genetic diagnosis. In an era of emerging disease-modifying gene-stratified therapies, the identification of causative alleles has become increasingly important. Over the past few years, the implementation of advanced bioinformatics tools and long-read sequencing has allowed the identification of a number of novel repeat expansion disorders, such as the recently described spinocerebellar ataxia 27B (SCA27B) caused by a (GAA)•(TTC) repeat expansion in intron 1 of the fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) gene. SCA27B is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the most common forms of adult-onset hereditary ataxia, with several studies showing that it accounts for a substantial number (9-61%) of previously undiagnosed cases from different cohorts. First natural history studies and multiple reports have already outlined the progression and core phenotype of this novel disease, which consists of a late-onset slowly progressive pan-cerebellar syndrome that is frequently associated with cerebellar oculomotor signs, such as downbeat nystagmus, and episodic symptoms. Furthermore, preliminary studies in patients with SCA27B have shown promising symptomatic benefits of 4-aminopyridine, an already marketed drug. This review describes the current knowledge of the genetic and molecular basis, epidemiology, clinical features and prospective treatment strategies in SCA27B.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pellerin
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and InstituteMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Matt C. Danzi
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human GenomicsUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Mathilde Renaud
- INSERM‐U1256 NGEREUniversité de LorraineNancyFrance
- Service de Neurologie, CHRU de NancyNancyFrance
- Service de Génétique Clinique, CHRU de NancyNancyFrance
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Division of Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative DiseasesHertie‐Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of TübingenTübingenGermany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)TübingenGermany
| | - Stephan Zuchner
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human GenomicsUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Bernard Brais
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and InstituteMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Department of Human GeneticsMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
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Bremova-Ertl T, Hofmann J, Stucki J, Vossenkaul A, Gautschi M. Inborn Errors of Metabolism with Ataxia: Current and Future Treatment Options. Cells 2023; 12:2314. [PMID: 37759536 PMCID: PMC10527548 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of hereditary ataxias are caused by inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), most of which are highly heterogeneous in their clinical presentation. Prompt diagnosis is important because disease-specific therapies may be available. In this review, we offer a comprehensive overview of metabolic ataxias summarized by disease, highlighting novel clinical trials and emerging therapies with a particular emphasis on first-in-human gene therapies. We present disease-specific treatments if they exist and review the current evidence for symptomatic treatments of these highly heterogeneous diseases (where cerebellar ataxia is part of their phenotype) that aim to improve the disease burden and enhance quality of life. In general, a multimodal and holistic approach to the treatment of cerebellar ataxia, irrespective of etiology, is necessary to offer the best medical care. Physical therapy and speech and occupational therapy are obligatory. Genetic counseling is essential for making informed decisions about family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Bremova-Ertl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (J.H.); (J.S.)
- Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hofmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (J.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Janine Stucki
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (J.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Anja Vossenkaul
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Matthias Gautschi
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (A.V.); (M.G.)
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Kim JM, Nam TS, Choi SM, Kim BC, Lee SH. Clinical value of vestibulo-ocular reflex in the differentiation of spinocerebellar ataxias. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14783. [PMID: 37679515 PMCID: PMC10485070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41924-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) currently depends upon genetic testing. Although genetic testing for SCA is highly specific, clinical parameters for the differentiation of SCAs are still insufficient. We aimed to assess the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) parameters of various SCA subtypes to determine whether they have substantial value in differential diagnosis. We consecutively enrolled 33 genetically confirmed SCA patients (SCA2 = 8, SCA3 = 6, SCA6 = 10, SCA7 = 9). Normative data were obtained from 36 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Quantitative indicators of VOR were measured using video head impulse test (HIT) and combined ocular motor dysfunctions were investigated using video-oculography. Compared with the control group, the VOR gains in SCA2 were relatively spared, but were markedly decreased for all six canals in SCA3. The VOR gains for the posterior canals (PCs) were significantly decreased in SCA6, and for both vertical canals were decreased in SCA7. The VOR gains for the horizontal canals in SCA3 were negatively correlated with disease severity (R = -0.900, p = 0.037). Abnormal catch-up saccades were common in SCA3 and SCA6, rare in SCA7 and absent in SCA2. Spontaneous, headshaking-induced, and positional nystagmus were only documented in SCA6. SCA3 and SCA6 commonly showed horizontal gaze-evoked nystagmus, but SCA2 and SCA7 had characteristic saccadic slowing without gaze-evoked nystagmus. VOR impairments are common in SCAs, but their patterns vary depending on subtype. In addition to ocular motor characteristics, distinctive VOR performance for each subtype using video HIT may aid the differential diagnosis of the SCA genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Myung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Korea
| | - Tai-Seung Nam
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Korea
| | - Seong-Min Choi
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Korea
| | - Byeong C Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Korea
| | - Seung-Han Lee
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Korea.
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7
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Pellerin D, Heindl F, Wilke C, Danzi MC, Traschütz A, Ashton C, Dicaire MJ, Cuillerier A, Del Gobbo G, Boycott KM, Claassen J, Rujescu D, Hartmann AM, Zuchner S, Brais B, Strupp M, Synofzik M. Intronic FGF14 GAA repeat expansions are a common cause of downbeat nystagmus syndromes: frequency, phenotypic profile, and 4-aminopyridine treatment response. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.30.23293380. [PMID: 37577458 PMCID: PMC10418564 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.30.23293380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The cause of downbeat nystagmus (DBN) remains unknown in approximately 30% of patients (idiopathic DBN). Here, we hypothesized that: (i) FGF14 (GAA) ≥250 repeat expansions represent a frequent genetic cause of idiopathic DBN syndromes, (ii) are treatable with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), and (iii) FGF14 (GAA) 200-249 alleles are potentially pathogenic. We conducted a multi-modal cohort study of 170 patients with idiopathic DBN that comprised: in-depth ocular motor, neurological, and disease evolution phenotyping; assessment of 4-AP treatment response, including re-analysis of placebo-controlled video-oculography treatment response data from a previous randomized double-blind 4-AP trial; and genotyping of the FGF14 repeat. Frequency of FGF14 (GAA) ≥250 expansions was 48% (82/170) in the entire idiopathic DBN cohort. Additional cerebellar ocular motor signs were observed in 100% (82/82), cerebellar ataxia in 43% (35/82), and extracerebellar features in 21% (17/82) of (GAA) ≥250 - FGF14 patients. Alleles of 200 to 249 GAA repeats were enriched in patients with DBN (12%; 20/170) compared to controls (0.87%; 19/2,191; OR, 15.20; 95% CI, 7.52-30.80; p =9.876e-14). The phenotype of (GAA) 200-249 - FGF14 patients closely mirrored that of (GAA) ≥250 - FGF14 patients. (GAA) ≥250 - FGF14 and (GAA) 200-249 - FGF14 patients had a significantly greater clinician-reported (80% vs 31%; p =0.0011) and self-reported (59% vs 11%; p =0.0003) response rate to 4-AP treatment compared to (GAA) <200 - FGF14 patients. This included a treatment response with high relevance to everyday living, as exemplified by an improvement of 2 FARS stages in some cases. Placebo-controlled video-oculography data of four (GAA) ≥250 - FGF14 patients previously enrolled in a 4-AP randomized double-blind trial showed a significant decrease in slow phase velocity of DBN with 4-AP, but not placebo. This study shows that FGF14 GAA repeat expansions are a highly frequent genetic cause of DBN syndromes, especially when associated with additional cerebellar features. Moreover, they genetically stratify a subgroup of patients with DBN that appear to be highly responsive to 4-AP, thus paving the way for a "theranostics" approach in DBN syndromes.
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Manto M, Cendelin J, Strupp M, Mitoma H. Advances in cerebellar disorders: pre-clinical models, therapeutic targets, and challenges. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:965-987. [PMID: 37768297 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2263911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebellar ataxias (CAs) represent neurological disorders with multiple etiologies and a high phenotypic variability. Despite progress in the understanding of pathogenesis, few therapies are available so far. Closing the loop between preclinical studies and therapeutic trials is important, given the impact of CAs upon patients' health and the roles of the cerebellum in multiple domains. Because of a rapid advance in research on CAs, it is necessary to summarize the main findings and discuss future directions. AREAS COVERED We focus our discussion on preclinical models, cerebellar reserve, the therapeutic management of CAs, and suitable surrogate markers. We searched Web of Science and PubMed using keywords relevant to cerebellar diseases, therapy, and preclinical models. EXPERT OPINION There are many symptomatic and/or disease-modifying therapeutic approaches under investigation. For therapy development, preclinical studies, standardization of disease evaluation, safety assessment, and demonstration of clinical improvements are essential. Stage of the disease and the level of the cerebellar reserve determine the goals of the therapy. Deficits in multiple categories and heterogeneity of CAs may require disease-, stage-, and symptom-specific therapies. More research is needed to clarify how therapies targeting the cerebellum influence both basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex, poorly explored domains in CAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Manto
- Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Hac NEF, Murphy OC, Butala AA, Newsome SD, Gold DR. Centripetal Nystagmus, Slow Saccades, Cerebellar Ataxia, and Parkinsonism in a Patient With Anti-GAD65-Associated Stiff Person Syndrome Spectrum Disorder. J Neuroophthalmol 2023; 43:273-276. [PMID: 36728609 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A 68-year-old woman with positional dizziness and progressive imbalance presented for vestibular evaluation. Examination was notable for spontaneous downbeat nystagmus (DBN), horizontal and vertical gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN) with centripetal and rebound nystagmus, and positional apogeotropic nystagmus. There was also mild-moderate slowing of saccades horizontally and vertically and poor fast phases with an optokinetic stimulus. Further consultation by a movement disorder specialist uncovered asymmetric decrementing bradykinesia and rigidity, masked facies, and a wide-based stance without camptocormia. Screening serum laboratory results for metabolic, rheumatologic, infectious, heavy metal, endocrine, or vitamin abnormalities was normal. Surveillance imaging for neoplasms was unremarkable, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was negative for 14-3-3 and real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC). However, her anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD65) immunoglobulin G (IgG) level was markedly elevated in serum to 426,202 IU/mL (reference range 0-5 IU/mL) and in CSF to 18.1 nmol/L (reference range <0.03 nmol/L). No other autoantibodies were identified on the expanded paraneoplastic panel. The patient was referred to neuroimmunology, where torso rigidity, spasticity, and significant paravertebral muscle spasms were noted. Overall, the clinical presentation, examination findings, and extensive workup were consistent with a diagnosis of anti-GAD65-associated stiff person syndrome-plus (musculoskeletal plus cerebellar and/or brainstem involvement). She was subsequently treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and has been stable since commencing this therapy. In patients with centripetal nystagmus, especially in association with other cerebellar findings, an autoimmune cerebellar workup should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E F Hac
- Department of Neurology (NEFH), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; and Department of Neurology (OCM, AAB, SDN, DRG), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Smartphone video nystagmography using convolutional neural networks: ConVNG. J Neurol 2022; 270:2518-2530. [PMID: 36422668 PMCID: PMC10129923 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11493-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Eye movement abnormalities are commonplace in neurological disorders. However, unaided eye movement assessments lack granularity. Although videooculography (VOG) improves diagnostic accuracy, resource intensiveness precludes its broad use. To bridge this care gap, we here validate a framework for smartphone video-based nystagmography capitalizing on recent computer vision advances.
Methods
A convolutional neural network was fine-tuned for pupil tracking using > 550 annotated frames: ConVNG. In a cross-sectional approach, slow-phase velocity of optokinetic nystagmus was calculated in 10 subjects using ConVNG and VOG. Equivalence of accuracy and precision was assessed using the “two one-sample t-test” (TOST) and Bayesian interval-null approaches. ConVNG was systematically compared to OpenFace and MediaPipe as computer vision (CV) benchmarks for gaze estimation.
Results
ConVNG tracking accuracy reached 9–15% of an average pupil diameter. In a fully independent clinical video dataset, ConVNG robustly detected pupil keypoints (median prediction confidence 0.85). SPV measurement accuracy was equivalent to VOG (TOST p < 0.017; Bayes factors (BF) > 24). ConVNG, but not MediaPipe, achieved equivalence to VOG in all SPV calculations. Median precision was 0.30°/s for ConVNG, 0.7°/s for MediaPipe and 0.12°/s for VOG. ConVNG precision was significantly higher than MediaPipe in vertical planes, but both algorithms’ precision was inferior to VOG.
Conclusions
ConVNG enables offline smartphone video nystagmography with an accuracy comparable to VOG and significantly higher precision than MediaPipe, a benchmark computer vision application for gaze estimation. This serves as a blueprint for highly accessible tools with potential to accelerate progress toward precise and personalized Medicine.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Major therapeutic advances have been made in patients with episodic and progressive cerebellar ataxias, downbeat nystagmus and some vestibular disorders. We provide an update review on this subject highlighting important research findings from the last two years. RECENT FINDINGS Recently, the use of omaveloxolone for 2 years significantly improved upright stability in Friedreich's ataxia patients. In an open-label study, N-acetyl-l-leucine administered for 6-weeks significantly improved clinical impression of change, ataxia, and quality of life in patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C1. A 12-week treatment with dalfampridine was associated with improved standing balance in a subgroup of patients with multiple sclerosis. A gluten-free diet alone improved ataxia in half of patients with antiglutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) ataxia, suggesting that gluten sensitivity might be part of the underlying pathogenesis in anti-GAD ataxia. In a head-to-head trial, both prolonged-release 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and acetazolamide effectively reduced the attacks up to 60% in patients with episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2), albeit 4-AP had fewer adverse effects. Small observational studies have shown that patients with episodic vestibular syndrome who cannot be diagnosed as definite or probable vestibular migraine, might still improve vestibular symptoms following preventive treatment for migraine. The use of vitamin D supplementation in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, steroids in acute unilateral vestibulopathy, and betahistine in Ménière's disease patients remains controversial. SUMMARY Although the use of several therapies is being established in the treatment of cerebellar and vestibular disorders, there is an urgent need for prospective controlled therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lemos
- Department of Neurology, Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Portugal and Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, Portugal
| | - Mario Manto
- Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium and Service des Neurosciences, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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12
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Strupp ML, Straumann D, Helmchen C. Nystagmus: Diagnosis, Topographic Anatomical Localization and Therapy. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2021; 238:1186-1195. [PMID: 34784642 DOI: 10.1055/a-1525-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Nystagmus is defined as rhythmic, most often involuntary eye movements. It normally consists of a slow (pathological) drift of the eyes, followed by a fast central compensatory movement back to the primary position (refixation saccade). The direction, however, is reported according to the fast phase. The cardinal symptoms are, on the one hand, blurred vision, jumping images (oscillopsia), reduced visual acuity and, sometimes, double vision; many of these symptoms depend on the eye position. On the other hand, depending on the etiology, patients may suffer from the following symptoms: 1. permanent dizziness, postural imbalance, and gait disorder (typical of downbeat and upbeat nystagmus); 2. if the onset of symptoms is acute, the patient may experience spinning vertigo with a tendency to fall to one side (due to ischemia in the area of the brainstem or cerebellum with central fixation nystagmus or as acute unilateral vestibulopathy with spontaneous peripheral vestibular nystagmus); or 3. positional vertigo. There are two major categories: the first is spontaneous nystagmus, i.e., nystagmus which occurs in the primary position as upbeat or downbeat nystagmus; and the second includes various types of nystagmus which are induced or modified by certain factors. Examples are gaze-evoked nystagmus, head-shaking nystagmus, positional nystagmus, and hyperventilation-induced nystagmus. In addition, there are disorders similar to nystagmus, such as ocular flutter or opsoclonus. The most common central types of spontaneous nystagmus are downbeat and upbeat, infantile, pure torsional, pendular fixation, periodic alternating, and seesaw nystagmus. Many types of nystagmus allow a precise neuroanatomical localization: for instance, downbeat nystagmus, which is most often caused by a bilateral floccular lesion or dysfunction, or upbeat nystagmus, which is caused by a lesion in the midbrain or medulla. Examples of drug treatment are the use of 4-aminopyridine for downbeat and upbeat nystagmus, memantine or gabapentin for pendular fixation nystagmus, or baclofen for periodic alternating nystagmus. In this article we are focusing on nystagmus. In a second article we will focus on central ocular motor disorders, such as saccade or gaze palsy, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, and gaze-holding deficits. Therefore, these types of eye movements will not be described here in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Leo Strupp
- Neurologische Klinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Deutschland.,Deutsches Schwindel- und Gleichgewichtszentrum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Deutschland
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13
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Tran TM, Lee MS, McClelland CM. Downbeat nystagmus: a clinical review of diagnosis and management. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2021; 32:504-514. [PMID: 34456290 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will extensively cover the clinical manifestations, causes, diagnostic evaluation, and management strategies of downbeat nystagmus (DBN). RECENT FINDINGS Historically, MRI to assess for structural lesions at the cervicomedullary junction has been the primary diagnostic test in the evaluation of DBN since the 1980s. In recent years, there is increasing awareness of nonstructural causes of DBN including gluten ataxia, nutritional deficiencies, and paraneoplastic syndromes, among others. Medical management with aminopyridines has become first-line therapy in addition to disease-specific therapies. SUMMARY DBN is a common form of acquired nystagmus and the differential diagnosis remains broad, including both benign and potentially fatal causes. For practical purposes, the causes can be categorized as structural vs. nonstructural with MRI as the ideal, initial diagnostic study to differentiate the two. General therapeutic options include pharmacotherapy to enhance Purkinje cell function, strabismus surgery or prisms to shift null points, and behavioural changes. Disease-specific treatment is necessarily broad, though a significant proportion of patients will be idiopathic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu M Tran
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences
| | - Michael S Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences
- Department of Neurology
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
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14
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Abstract
Medical therapies for dizziness are aimed at vertigo reduction, secondary symptom management, or the root cause of the pathologic process. Acute peripheral vertigo pharmacotherapies include antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, and benzodiazepines. Prophylactic pharmacotherapies vary between causes. For Meniere disease, betahistine and diuretics remain initial first-line oral options, whereas intratympanic steroids and intratympanic gentamicin are reserved for uncontrolled symptoms. For cerebellar dizziness and oculomotor disorders, 4-aminopyridine may provide benefit. For vestibular migraine, persistent postural perceptual dizziness and mal de débarquement, treatment options overlap and include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and calcium channel blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory J Raymond
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue MSC 550, 11th Floor, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Esther X Vivas
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, 550 Peachtree Street Northeast, 11th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA.
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15
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Gabapentin and Memantine for Treatment of Acquired Pendular Nystagmus: Effects on Visual Outcomes. J Neuroophthalmol 2021; 40:198-206. [PMID: 31169568 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000000807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most common causes of acquired pendular nystagmus (APN) are multiple sclerosis (MS) and oculopalatal tremor (OPT), both of which result in poor visual quality of life. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of memantine and gabapentin treatments on visual function. We also sought to correlate visual outcomes with ocular motor measures and to describe the side effects of our treatments. METHODS This study was single-center cross-over trial. A total of 16 patients with chronic pendular nystagmus, 10 with MS and 6 with OPT were enrolled. Visual acuity (in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [LogMAR]), oscillopsia amplitude and direction, eye movement recordings, and visual function questionnaires (25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire [NEI-VFQ-25]) were performed before and during the treatments (gabapentin: 300 mg 4 times a day and memantine: 10 mg 4 times a day). RESULTS A total of 29 eyes with nystagmus were evaluated. Median near monocular visual acuity improved in both treatment arms, by 0.18 LogMAR on memantine and 0.12 LogMAR on gabapentin. Distance oscillopsia improved on memantine and on gabapentin. Median near oscillopsia did not significantly change on memantine or gabapentin. Significant improvement in ocular motor parameters was observed on both treatments. Because of side effects, 18.8% of patients discontinued memantine treatment-one of them for a serious adverse event. Only 6.7% of patients discontinued gabapentin. Baseline near oscillopsia was greater among those with higher nystagmus amplitude and velocity. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that both memantine and gabapentin reduce APN, improving functional visual outcomes. Gabapentin showed a better tolerability, suggesting that this agent should be used as a first-line agent for APN. Data from our investigation emphasize the importance of visual functional outcome evaluations in clinical trials for APN.
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16
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Zwergal A, Dieterich M. [Update on diagnosis and therapy in frequent vestibular and balance disorders]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2021; 89:211-220. [PMID: 33873210 DOI: 10.1055/a-1432-1849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The 8 most frequent vestibular disorders account for more than 70% of all presentations of vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance. In acute (and mostly non-repetitive) vestibular disorders acute unilateral vestibulopathy and vestibular stroke are most important, in episodic vestibulopathies benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Menière's disease and vestibular migraine, and in chronic vestibular disorders bilateral vestibulopathy/presbyvestibulopathy, functional dizziness and cerebellar dizziness. In the last decade, internationally consented diagnostic criteria and nomenclature were established for the most frequent vestibular disorders, which can be easily applied in clinical practice. The diagnostic guidelines are based on history taking (including onset, duration, course, triggers, accomanying symptoms), clinical examination, and only a few apparative tests (by videooculography and audiometry) for securing the diagnosis. Treatment of vestibular disorders includes physical training (repositioning maneuvers, multimodal balance training) and pharmacological approaches (e.g., corticosteroids, antiepileptics, antidepressants, potassium-canal-blockers, drugs enhancing neuroplasticity). For most drugs, high-level evidence from prospective controlled trials is lacking. In clinical practice, the most frequent vestibular disorders can be treated effectively, thus avoiding chronicity and secondary comorbidity (by immobility, falls or psychiatric disorders such as anxiety or depression).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Zwergal
- LMU Klinikum, Neurologische Klinik und Deutsches Schwindel- und Gleichgewichtszentrum (DSGZ)
| | - Marianne Dieterich
- LMU Klinikum, Neurologische Klinik und Deutsches Schwindel- und Gleichgewichtszentrum (DSGZ)
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17
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Panthagani J, Virdee J, MacDonald T, Bruynseels A, Batra R. Acquired nystagmus. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2020; 81:1-8. [PMID: 33263469 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2020.0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nystagmus is the repetitive to and fro movement of the eyes, which may be physiological or pathological. The movements can be horizontal, vertical, torsional or a combination of these movements. It starts by a slow movement of the eye away from the visual target. The second movement brings the eye back to the visual target. If this second movement is quick, the nystagmus is called jerk nystagmus. If the second movement is slow, the nystagmus is said to be pendular. Maintaining steady gaze is dependent upon visual fixation, the vestibulo-ocular reflex and the gaze-holding neural integrator system. Pathological nystagmus typically presents with the symptom of oscillopsia, which is the illusory movement of the surrounding environment. Nystagmus that develops outside of early infancy is termed acquired nystagmus. There may be serious underlying pathology that will require further investigation and management. This article reviews the terminology, pathophysiology, causes and treatment of acquired nystagmus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Panthagani
- Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham, UK.,Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jasvir Virdee
- Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham, UK.,Birmingham Neuro-ophthalmology Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Ruchika Batra
- Birmingham Neuro-ophthalmology Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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18
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De Giglio L, Cortese F, Pennisi EM. Aminopiridines in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2020; 10:409-423. [PMID: 33054615 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2020-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptomatic treatment has a great relevance for the management of patients with neurologic diseases, since it reduces disease burden and improves quality of life. Aminopyridines (APs) are a group of potassium (K+) channel blocking agents that exert their activity both at central nervous system level and on neuromuscular junction. This review describes the use of APs for the symptomatic treatment of neurological conditions. We will describe trials leading to the approval of the extended-release 4-aminopyridine for MS and evidence in support of the use in other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura De Giglio
- Department of Medicine, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Neurology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cortese
- Department of Medicine, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Neurology Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Maria Pennisi
- Department of Medicine, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Neurology Unit, Rome, Italy
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19
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Strupp M, Dlugaiczyk J, Ertl-Wagner BB, Rujescu D, Westhofen M, Dieterich M. Vestibular Disorders. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 117:300-310. [PMID: 32530417 PMCID: PMC7297064 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2020.0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research findings have improved the understanding of the diagnosis, pathophysiology, genetics, etiology, and treatment of peripheral, central, and functional vestibular vertigo syndromes. METHOD A literature search, with special attention to the current classification, treatment trials, Cochrane analyses, and other meta-analyses. RESULTS There are internationally accepted diagnostic criteria for benign positional paroxysmal vertigo, Menière's disease, bilateral vestibulopathy, vestibular paroxysmia, and functional dizziness. Whether an acute vestibular syndrome is central or peripheral can usually be determined rapidly on the basis of the history and the clinical examination. "Cere - bellar vertigo" is a clinically important entity. For bilateral vestibulopathy, balance training is an effective treatment. For Menière's disease, preventive treatment with betahistine (48 mg and 144 mg per day) is not superior to placebo. For vestibular paroxysmia, oxcarbazepine has been shown to be effective. Treatments that are probably effective for functional dizziness include vestibular rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. CONCLUSION The diagnostic assessment of vestibular syndromes is much easier for clinicians now that it has been internationally standardized. There is still a lack of randomized, controlled trials on the treatment of, for example, Menière's disease, vestibular migraine, and "cerebellar vertigo."
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich (LMU); German Center for Dizziness and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich (LMU); Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Canada; University Clinic and Outpatient Department for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Halle-Wittenberg; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center, RWTH Aachen; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich
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20
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Prosperini L, Castelli L, De Giglio L, Bonanno V, Gasperini C, Pozzilli C. Dalfampridine to Improve Balance in Multiple Sclerosis: Substudy from a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:704-709. [PMID: 31820274 PMCID: PMC7283428 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00813-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This was a substudy of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial originally designed to explore the effect of dalfampridine on information processing speed (2013-002558-64 EU Clinical Trials Register) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A total of 120 patients were originally randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive dalfampridine 10 mg or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Here, we sought to explore the effect of dalfampridine on static balance in single-task and dual-task conditions in a subgroup of 41 patients. They underwent static posturography in quiet standing (single-task) and while performing the Stroop test (dual-task) at randomization (baseline), after 12 weeks and after a 4-week wash-out period. Baseline characteristics of active group (n = 27) did not differ from those of placebo group (n = 14). Dalfampridine treatment was associated with better balance control than placebo in both single-task (F = 4.80, p = 0.034) and dual-task (F = 6.42, p = 0.015) conditions, with small-to-moderate effect sizes (Cohen's f2 = 0.122-0.162). The beneficial effect of dalfampridine was not retained 4 weeks after its discontinuation. The rate of accidental falls per month did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.12). Our preliminary findings suggest that dalfampridine can be considered a potential option to treat balance impairment due to MS. Larger sample sizes are needed to verify if the beneficial effect of dalfampridine on balance can be translated into a reduced risk of accidental falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Prosperini
- Dept. of Neurosciences, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, C.ne Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy.
| | - Letizia Castelli
- Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, -, Piazzale Morandi 6, 20121, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura De Giglio
- Neurology Unit, S. Filippo Neri Hospital, Via G. Martinotti 20, 00135, Rome, Italy
- S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Bonanno
- S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
- Dept. of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Dept. of Neurosciences, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, C.ne Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
- Dept. of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
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21
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The neurological update: therapies for cerebellar ataxias in 2020. J Neurol 2020; 267:1211-1220. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Domínguez-Durán E, Mármol-Szombathy I, Baños-Roldán Ú, Sánchez-Gómez S. Experiencia de uso de fampridina en pacientes con nistagmo vertical inferior. ACTA OTORRINOLARINGOLOGICA ESPANOLA 2020; 71:40-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.otorri.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Domínguez-Durán E, Mármol-Szombathy I, Baños-Roldán Ú, Sánchez-Gómez S. Clinical Use of 4-aminopyridine in Patients With Downbeat Nystagmus. ACTA OTORRINOLARINGOLOGICA ESPANOLA 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.otoeng.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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25
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Impact of 4-aminopyridine on vestibulo-ocular reflex performance. J Neurol 2019; 266:93-100. [PMID: 31270663 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VOR) are mediated by frequency-tuned pathways that separately transform the different dynamic and static aspects of head motion/position-related sensory signals into extraocular motor commands. Voltage-dependent potassium conductances such as those formed by Kv1.1 are important for the ability of VOR circuit elements to encode highly transient motion components. Here we describe the impact of the Kv1.1 channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on spontaneous and motion-evoked discharge of superior oblique motoneurons. Spike activity was recorded from the motor nerve in isolated preparations of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Under static conditions, bath application of 1-10 µM 4-AP increased the spontaneous firing rate and provoked repetitive bursts of spikes. During motion stimulation 4-AP also augmented and delayed the peak firing rate suggesting that this drug affects the magnitude and timing of vestibular-evoked eye movements. The exclusive Kv1.1 expression in thick vestibular afferent fibers in larval Xenopus at this developmental stage suggests that the altered extraocular motor output in the presence of 4-AP mainly derives from a firing rate increase of irregular firing vestibular afferents that propagates along the VOR circuitry. Clinically and pharmacologically, the observed 4-AP-mediated increase of peripheral vestibular input under resting and dynamic conditions can contribute to the observed therapeutic effects of 4-AP in downbeat and upbeat nystagmus as well as episodic ataxia type 2, by an indirect increase of cerebellar Purkinje cell discharge.
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Zwergal A, Strupp M, Brandt T. Advances in pharmacotherapy of vestibular and ocular motor disorders. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:1267-1276. [PMID: 31030580 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1610386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vertigo and dizziness are common chief complaints of vestibular and ocular motor disorders (lifetime prevalence 30%). Treatment relies on physical, pharmacological, psychological and rarely surgical approaches. Eight groups of drugs are currently used in vestibular and ocular motor disorders, namely anti-vertiginous, anti-inflammatory, anti-menière's, anti-migrainous medications, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, aminopyridines and agents that enhance vestibular plasticity. AREAS COVERED The purpose of this review is to summarize the pharmacological characteristics and clinical applications of medications that are used for peripheral, central and functional vestibular and ocular motor disorders. The level of evidence for the respective drugs is described alongside the pathophysiological premises supporting their use. The authors place particular focus on translation and back-translation in vestibular pharmacological research and the repurposing of known drugs for new indications and rare disorders. EXPERT OPINION The use of drugs in vestibular and ocular motor disorders is often based on open-label, non-controlled studies and expert opinion. In the future, strong evidence derived from RCTs is needed to support the effectiveness and tolerability of these therapies in well-defined vestibular and ocular motor disorders. Vestibular pharmacological research must be guided by a better understanding of the molecular targets relevant in the pathophysiology of vestibular and ocular motor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Zwergal
- a Department of Neurology , University Hospital LMU , Munich , Germany.,b German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders , DSGZ, LMU Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Michael Strupp
- a Department of Neurology , University Hospital LMU , Munich , Germany.,b German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders , DSGZ, LMU Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Thomas Brandt
- b German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders , DSGZ, LMU Munich , Munich , Germany.,c Clinical Neurosciences , LMU Munich , Munich , Germany
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Cohen DA, Bhatti MT, Chen JJ, Mauermann ML, Gold DR. It is not your eyes. Surv Ophthalmol 2019; 65:487-493. [PMID: 31009615 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A 55-year-old woman reported blurred vision while walking, numbness and tingling, contact allodynia, and gait imbalance. Visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes, but there was a loss of 4 lines with horizontal dynamic visual acuity testing. Ocular motility examination demonstrated spontaneous downbeat nystagmus that increased in lateral gaze with a torsional component and impaired smooth pursuits. Head impulse test was positive, and electromyography demonstrated a sensory neuropathy/neuronopathy. Vestibular testing confirmed both central ocular motor pathway and bilateral peripheral vestibular system involvement. The constellation of clinical findings and paraclinical testing was consistent with a recently recognized neurodegenerative disorder termed cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon A Cohen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - M Tariq Bhatti
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
| | - John J Chen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michelle L Mauermann
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel R Gold
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The John Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, The John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Kalla R, Strupp M. Aminopyridines and Acetyl-DL-leucine: New Therapies in Cerebellar Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:7-13. [PMID: 30182858 PMCID: PMC6341500 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180905093535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxia is a frequent and often disabling syndrome severely impairing motor functioning and quality of life. Patients suffer from reduced mobility, and restricted autonomy, experiencing an even lower quality of life than, e.g., stroke survivors. Aminopyridines have been demonstrated viable for the symptomatic treatment of certain forms of cerebellar ataxia. This article will give an outline of the present pharmacotherapy of different cerebellar disorders. As a current key-therapy for the treatment of downbeat nystagmus 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is suggested for the treatment of downbeat nystagmus (5-10 mg Twice a day [TID]), a frequent type of persisting nystagmus, due to a compromise of the vestibulo-cerebellum. Studies with animals have demonstrated, that a nonselective blockage of voltage-gated potassium channels (mainly Kv1.5) increases Purkinje- cell (PC) excitability. In episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2), which is frequently caused by mutations of the PQ-calcium channel, the efficacy of 4-AP (5-10 mg TID) has been shown in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). 4-AP was well tolerated in the recommended dosages. 4-AP was also effective in elevating symptoms in cerebellar gait ataxia of different etiologies (2 case series). A new treatment option for cerebellar disease is the amino-acid acetyl-DL-leucine, which has significantly improved cerebellar symptoms in three case series. There are on-going randomized controlled trials for cerebellar ataxia (acetyl-DL-leucine vs placebo; ALCAT), cerebellar gait disorders (SR-form of 4-AP vs placebo; FACEG) and EA2 (sustained-release/SR-form of 4-AP vs acetazolamide vs placebo; EAT2TREAT), which will provide new insights into the pharmacological treatment of cerebellar disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Kalla
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, and Institute for Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospital Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, and Institute for Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospital Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
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Al Jabri S, Kirkham J, Rowe FJ. Development of a core outcome set for amblyopia, strabismus and ocular motility disorders: a review to identify outcome measures. BMC Ophthalmol 2019; 19:47. [PMID: 30736755 PMCID: PMC6368710 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-019-1055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Core Outcome Sets (COS) are defined as the minimum sets of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all randomised controlled trials to facilitate combination and comparability of research. The aim of this review is to produce an item bank of previously reported outcome measures from published studies in amblyopia, strabismus and ocular motility disorders to initiate the development of COS. METHODS A review was conducted to identify articles reporting outcome measures for amblyopia, strabismus and ocular motility disorders. Using systematic methods according to the COMET handbook we searched key electronic bibliographic databases from 1st January 2011 to 27th September 2016 using MESH terms and alternatives indicating the different subtypes of amblyopia, strabismus and ocular motility disorders in relation to treatment outcomes and all synonyms. We included Cochrane reviews, other systematic reviews, controlled trials, non-systematic reviews and retrospective studies. Data was extracted to tabulate demographics of included studies, primary and secondary outcomes, methods of measurement and their time points. RESULTS A total of 142 studies were included; 42 in amblyopia, 33 in strabismus, and 68 in ocular motility disorders (one study overlap between amblyopia and strabismus). We identified ten main outcome measure domains for amblyopia, 14 for strabismus, and ten common "visual or motility" outcome measure domains for ocular motility disorders. Within the domains, we found variable nomenclature being used and diversity in methods and timings of measurements. CONCLUSION This review highlights discrepancies in outcome measure reporting within published literature for amblyopia, strabismus and ocular motility and it generated an item bank of the most commonly used and reported outcome measures for each of the three conditions from recent literature to start the process of COS development. Consensus among all stakeholders including patients and professionals is recommended to establish a useful COS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Al Jabri
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building Block B, 2nd Floor, 1-3 Brownlow Street, L69 3GL Liverpool, UK
| | - Jamie Kirkham
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Fiona J. Rowe
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building Block B, 2nd Floor, 1-3 Brownlow Street, L69 3GL Liverpool, UK
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Feil K, Strobl R, Schindler A, Krafczyk S, Goldschagg N, Frenzel C, Glaser M, Schöberl F, Zwergal A, Strupp M. What Is Behind Cerebellar Vertigo and Dizziness? THE CEREBELLUM 2018; 18:320-332. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0992-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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31
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Albrecht P, Bjørnå IK, Brassat D, Farrell R, Feys P, Hobart J, Hupperts R, Linnebank M, Magdič J, Oreja-Guevara C, Pozzilli C, Salgado AV, Ziemssen T. Prolonged-release fampridine in multiple sclerosis: clinical data and real-world experience. Report of an expert meeting. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756286418803248. [PMID: 30305850 PMCID: PMC6174649 DOI: 10.1177/1756286418803248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged-release (PR) fampridine is the only approved medication to improve walking in multiple sclerosis (MS), having been shown to produce a clinically meaningful improvement in walking ability in the subset of MS patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale 4-7. Recent responder subgroup analyses in the phase III ENHANCE study show a large effect size in terms of an increase of 20.58 points on the patient-reported 12-item MS Walking Scale in the 43% of patients classified as responders to PR-fampridine, corresponding to a standardized response mean of 1.68. Use of PR-fampridine in clinical practice varies across Europe, depending partly on whether it is reimbursed. A group of European MS experts met in June 2017 to discuss their experience with using PR-fampridine, including their views on the patient population for treatment, assessment of treatment response, re-testing and re-treatment, and stopping criteria. This article summarizes the experts' opinions on how PR-fampridine can be used in real-world clinical practice to optimize the benefits to people with MS with impaired walking ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | | | - David Brassat
- Centre de Resource et de Competence-SEP CHU-Toulouse et UMR1043, Université de Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Rachel Farrell
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter Feys
- REVAL/BIOMED, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jeremy Hobart
- Department of Clinical Trials and Health Research: Translational & Stratified Medicine, Plymouth
| | - Raymond Hupperts
- Department of Neurology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen, Netherlands
| | - Michael Linnebank
- Department of Neurology, Helios Clinic Hagen-Ambrock, Hagen, Germany
| | - Jožef Magdič
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Celia Oreja-Guevara
- Neurología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- Department of Neurology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, MS Center Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
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Leussink VI, Montalban X, Hartung HP. Restoring Axonal Function with 4-Aminopyridine: Clinical Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis and Beyond. CNS Drugs 2018; 32:637-651. [PMID: 29992409 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-018-0536-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The oral potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine has been used in various neurological conditions for decades. Numerous case reports and studies have supported its clinical efficacy in ameliorating the clinical presentation of certain neurological disorders. However, its short half-life, erratic drug levels, and safety-related dose restrictions limited its use as a self-compounded drug in clinical practice. This changed with the introduction of a prolonged-release formulation, which was successfully tested in patients with multiple sclerosis. It was fully approved by the US FDA in January 2010 but initially received only conditional approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in July 2011. After additional clinical studies, this conditional approval was changed to unrestricted approval in August 2017. This article reviews and discusses these recent studies and places aminopyridines and their clinical utility into the context of a broader spectrum of neurological disorders, where clinical efficacy has been suggested. In 2010, prolonged-release 4-aminopyridine became the first drug specifically licensed to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis. About one-third of patients across disease courses benefit from this treatment. In addition, various reports indicate clinical efficacy beyond multiple sclerosis, which may broaden its use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xavier Montalban
- Servei de Neurologia-Neuroimmunologia, Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Rowe FJ, Hanna K, Evans JR, Noonan CP, Garcia‐Finana M, Dodridge CS, Howard C, Jarvis KA, MacDiarmid SL, Maan T, North L, Rodgers H. Interventions for eye movement disorders due to acquired brain injury. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 3:CD011290. [PMID: 29505103 PMCID: PMC6494416 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011290.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquired brain injury can cause eye movement disorders which may include: strabismus, gaze deficits and nystagmus, causing visual symptoms of double, blurred or 'juddery' vision and reading difficulties. A wide range of interventions exist that have potential to alleviate or ameliorate these symptoms. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions and the timing of their implementation. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the effectiveness of any intervention and determine the effect of timing of intervention in the treatment of strabismus, gaze deficits and nystagmus due to acquired brain injury. We considered restitutive, substitutive, compensatory or pharmacological interventions separately and compared them to control, placebo, alternative treatment or no treatment for improving ocular alignment or motility (or both). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (containing the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2017, Issue 5), MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, CINAHL EBSCO, AMED Ovid, PsycINFO Ovid, Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, PsycBITE (Psychological Database for Brain Impairment Treatment Efficacy), ISRCTN registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, Health Services Research Projects in Progress (HSRProj), National Eye Institute Clinical Studies Database and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). The databases were last searched on 26 June 2017. No date or language restrictions were used in the electronic searches for trials. We manually searched the Australian Orthoptic Journal, British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, and ESA, ISA and IOA conference proceedings. We contacted researchers active in this field for information about further published or unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any intervention for ocular alignment or motility deficits (or both) due to acquired brain injury. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted data. We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. We employed the GRADE approach to interpret findings and assess the quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We found five RCTs (116 participants) that were eligible for inclusion. These trials included conditions of acquired nystagmus, sixth cranial nerve palsy and traumatic brain injury-induced ocular motility defects. We did not identify any relevant studies of restitutive interventions.We identified one UK-based trial of a substitutive intervention, in which botulinum toxin was compared with observation in 47 people with acute sixth nerve palsy. At four months after entry into the trial, people given botulinum toxin were more likely to make a full recovery (reduction in angle of deviation within 10 prism dioptres), compared with observation (risk ratio 1.19, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.48; low-certainty evidence). These same participants also achieved binocular single vision. In the injection group only, there were 2 cases of transient ptosis out of 22 participants (9%), and 4 participants out of 22 (18%) with transient vertical deviation; a total complication rate of 24% per injection and 27% per participant. All adverse events recovered. We judged the certainty of evidence as low, downgrading for risk of bias and imprecision. It was not possible to mask investigators or participants to allocation, and the follow-up between groups varied.We identified one USA-based cross-over trial of a compensatory intervention. Oculomotor rehabilitation was compared with sham training in 12 people with mild traumatic brain injury, at least one year after the injury. We judged the evidence from this study to be very low-certainty. The study was small, data for the sham training group were not fully reported, and it was unclear if a cross-over study design was appropriate as this is an intervention with potential to have a permanent effect.We identified three cross-over studies of pharmacological interventions for acquired nystagmus, which took place in Germany and the USA. These studies investigated two classes of pharmacological interventions: GABAergic drugs (gabapentin, baclofen) and aminopyridines (4-aminopyridines (AP), 3,4-diaminopyridine (DAP)). We judged the evidence from all three studies as very low-certainty because of small numbers of participants (which led to imprecision) and risk of bias (they were cross-over studies which did not report data in a way that permitted estimation of effect size).One study compared gabapentin (up to 900 mg/day) with baclofen (up to 30 mg/day) in 21 people with pendular and jerk nystagmus. The follow-up period was two weeks. This study provides very low-certainty evidence that gabapentin may work better than baclofen in improving ocular motility and reducing participant-reported symptoms (oscillopsia). These effects may be different in pendular and jerk nystagmus, but without formal subgroup analysis it is unclear if the difference between the two types of nystagmus was chance finding. Quality of life was not reported. Ten participants with pendular nystagmus chose to continue treatment with gabapentin, and one with baclofen. Two participants with jerk nystagmus chose to continue treatment with gabapentin, and one with baclofen. Drug intolerance was reported in one person receiving gabapentin and in four participants receiving baclofen. Increased ataxia was reported in three participants receiving gabapentin and two participants receiving baclofen.One study compared a single dose of 3,4-DAP (20 mg) with placebo in 17 people with downbeat nystagmus. Assessments were made 30 minutes after taking the drug. This study provides very low-certainty evidence that 3,4-DAP may reduce the mean peak slow-phase velocity, with less oscillopsia, in people with downbeat nystagmus. Three participants reported transient side effects of minor perioral/distal paraesthesia.One study compared a single dose of 4-AP with a single dose of 3,4-DAP (both 10 mg doses) in eight people with downbeat nystagmus. Assessments were made 45 and 90 minutes after drug administration. This study provides very low-certainty evidence that both 3,4-DAP and 4-AP may reduce the mean slow-phase velocity in people with downbeat nystagmus. This effect may be stronger with 4-AP. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The included studies provide insufficient evidence to inform decisions about treatments specifically for eye movement disorders that occur following acquired brain injury. No information was obtained on the cost of treatment or measures of participant satisfaction relating to treatment options and effectiveness. It was possible to describe the outcome of treatment in each trial and ascertain the occurrence of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona J Rowe
- University of LiverpoolDepartment of Health Services ResearchWaterhouse Building (B211)1‐3 Brownlow StreetLiverpoolUKL69 3GL
| | - Kerry Hanna
- University of LiverpoolDepartment of Health Services ResearchWaterhouse Building (B211)1‐3 Brownlow StreetLiverpoolUKL69 3GL
| | - Jennifer R Evans
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineCochrane Eyes and Vision, ICEHKeppel StreetLondonUKWC1E 7HT
| | - Carmel P Noonan
- Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustDepartment of OphthalmologyLower LaneLiverpoolUKL9 7AL
| | - Marta Garcia‐Finana
- University of LiverpoolBiostatisticsBlock F, Waterhouse Bld1‐5 Brownlow StreetLiverpoolUKL69 3GL
| | - Caroline S Dodridge
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS TrustOrthopticsOxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley WayOxfordUKOX3 9DU
| | - Claire Howard
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation TrustOrthopticsStott LaneSalfordManchesterUKM6 8HD
| | - Kathryn A Jarvis
- University of LiverpoolOccupational TherapyBrownlow HillLiverpoolUKL69 3GB
| | - Sonia L MacDiarmid
- Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustDepartment of OrthopticsLovely LaneWarringtonUKWA5 2QQ
| | - Tallat Maan
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation TrustCommunity Eye Service225 Old StreetAshton‐under‐LyneUKOL6 7SR
| | - Lorraine North
- Frimley Park NHS Foundation TrustOrthopticsPortsmouth RoadFrimleySurreyUKGU16 7UJ
| | - Helen Rodgers
- Newcastle UniversityInstitute of NeuroscienceNewcastleUKNE2 4HH
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34
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Anagnostou E, Papadimas G, Rentzos M, Zambelis T. Downbeat nystagmus and lower motor neuron disease: 14 years follow-up. J Neurol 2018; 265:714-716. [PMID: 29396677 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8775-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Anagnostou
- Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, University of Athens, Vas. Sophias Avenue 74, 11528, Athens, Greece.
| | - G Papadimas
- Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, University of Athens, Vas. Sophias Avenue 74, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - M Rentzos
- Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, University of Athens, Vas. Sophias Avenue 74, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - T Zambelis
- Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, University of Athens, Vas. Sophias Avenue 74, 11528, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
The cerebellum plays an integral role in the control of limb and ocular movements, balance, and walking. Cerebellar disorders may be classified as sporadic or hereditary with clinical presentation varying with the extent and site of cerebellar damage and extracerebellar signs. Deficits in balance and walking reflect the cerebellum's proposed role in coordination, sensory integration, coordinate transformation, motor learning, and adaptation. Cerebellar dysfunction results in increased postural sway, hypermetric postural responses to perturbations and optokinetic stimuli, and postural responses that are poorly coordinated with volitional movement. Gait variability is characteristic and may arise from a combination of balance impairments, interlimb incoordination, and incoordination between postural activity and leg movement. Intrinsic problems with balance lead to a high prevalence of injurious falls. Evidence for pharmacologic management is limited, although aminopyridines reduce attacks in episodic ataxias and may have a role in improving gait ataxia in other conditions. Intensive exercises targeting balance and coordination lead to improvements in balance and walking but require ongoing training to maintain/maximize any effects. Noninvasive brain stimulation of the cerebellum may become a useful adjunct to therapy in the future. Walking aids, orthoses, specialized footwear and seating may be required for more severe cases of cerebellar ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan F Marsden
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
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Schwartz K, Wymbs NF, Huang H, Mealy MA, Pardo CA, Zackowski K, Levy M. Randomized, Placebo-controlled Crossover Study of Dalfampridine Extended-release in Transverse Myelitis. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2017; 3:2055217317740145. [PMID: 29270309 PMCID: PMC5731631 DOI: 10.1177/2055217317740145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dalfampridine has the potential to be effective in patients with transverse myelitis (TM) as this rare disorder shares some clinical and pathogenic similarities with multiple sclerosis. Methods This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of dalfampridine extended-release (D-ER, Ampyra®). Sixteen adult study participants with monophasic TM confirmed by MRI were enrolled if their baseline timed 25-foot walking speed was between 5 and 60 seconds. Participants were randomized to receive 10 mg twice-daily doses of either D-ER or placebo control for eight weeks, then crossed over to the second arm of placebo or dalfampridine for eight weeks. The primary outcome measure was the timed 25-foot walk. Results Of 16 enrolled participants, three withdrew and 13 completed the trial. Among the 13 completers, nine individuals showed an average timed walk that was faster in the D-ER arm compared to the placebo arm, but only four participants met the stricter statistical threshold to be classified as a responder. Analyses of secondary clinical outcome measures including strength, balance assessments, spasticity, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score showed trends toward improvement with D-ER. Conclusions D-ER may be beneficial in TM to improve walking speed and other neurological functions.
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Spiegel R, Claassen J, Teufel J, Bardins S, Schneider E, Lehrer Rettinger N, Jahn K, da Silva FA, Hahn A, Farahmand P, Brandt T, Strupp M, Kalla R. Resting in darkness improves downbeat nystagmus: evidence from an observational study. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1375:66-73. [PMID: 27447539 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Resting in an upright position during daytime decreases downbeat nystagmus (DBN). When measured in brightness only, that is, without intermitting exposure to darkness, it does not make a significant difference whether patients have previously rested in brightness or in darkness. In real-world scenarios, people are often exposed to brightness and darkness intermittently. The aim of this study was to analyze whether resting in brightness or resting in darkness was associated with a lower post-resting DBN after intermitting exposures to brightness and darkness. Eight patients were recorded with three-dimensional video-oculography in brightness and darkness conditions, each following two 2-h resting intervals under either brightness or darkness resting conditions. The dependent variable was DBN intensity, measured in mean slow phase velocity. A repeated measures ANOVA with the factors measurement condition (brightness vs. darkness), resting condition (brightness vs. darkness), and time (after first vs. second resting interval) showed a significant effect for the factor resting condition, where previous resting in darkness was associated with a significantly lower DBN relative to previous resting in brightness (P < 0.01). The clinical relevance is to advise patients with DBN to rest in darkness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Spiegel
- Division of Internal Medicine, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Claassen
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Julian Teufel
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Stanislav Bardins
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Erich Schneider
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Medical Technology, Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Lehrer Rettinger
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Jahn
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Fábio Anciães da Silva
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ales Hahn
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department of the 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Parvis Farahmand
- Department of Medicine, Giessen University Hospital, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brandt
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Roger Kalla
- Department of Neurology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Moss HE. Visual consequences of medications for multiple sclerosis: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the unknown. Eye Brain 2017; 9:13-21. [PMID: 28721111 PMCID: PMC5498528 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s140481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with vision changes both due to MS effects on visual pathways and due to medication effects on the visual pathways. Distinguishing the causes of vision change are critical to appropriate diagnosis and management. The incidence, presentation, and treatment of fingolimod-associated macular edema, alemtuzumab-associated thyroid orbitopathy, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in MS patients are reviewed. Evidence for beneficial effects of acute, chronic, and symptomatic MS medications on vision is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Moss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology & Neuroscience, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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39
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Helmchen C, Kirchhoff JB, Göttlich M, Sprenger A. Postural Ataxia in Cerebellar Downbeat Nystagmus: Its Relation to Visual, Proprioceptive and Vestibular Signals and Cerebellar Atrophy. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0168808. [PMID: 28056109 PMCID: PMC5215796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cerebellum integrates proprioceptive, vestibular and visual signals for postural control. Cerebellar patients with downbeat nystagmus (DBN) complain of unsteadiness of stance and gait as well as blurred vision and oscillopsia. Objectives The aim of this study was to elucidate the differential role of visual input, gaze eccentricity, vestibular and proprioceptive input on the postural stability in a large cohort of cerebellar patients with DBN, in comparison to healthy age-matched control subjects. Methods Oculomotor (nystagmus, smooth pursuit eye movements) and postural (postural sway speed) parameters were recorded and related to each other and volumetric changes of the cerebellum (voxel-based morphometry, SPM). Results Twenty-seven patients showed larger postural instability in all experimental conditions. Postural sway increased with nystagmus in the eyes closed condition but not with the eyes open. Romberg’s ratio remained stable and was not different from healthy controls. Postural sway did not change with gaze position or graviceptive input. It increased with attenuated proprioceptive input and on tandem stance in both groups but Romberg’s ratio also did not differ. Cerebellar atrophy (vermal lobule VI, VIII) correlated with the severity of impaired smooth pursuit eye movements of DBN patients. Conclusions Postural ataxia of cerebellar patients with DBN cannot be explained by impaired visual feedback. Despite oscillopsia visual feedback control on cerebellar postural control seems to be preserved as postural sway was strongest on visual deprivation. The increase in postural ataxia is neither related to modulations of single components characterizing nystagmus nor to deprivation of single sensory (visual, proprioceptive) inputs usually stabilizing stance. Re-weighting of multisensory signals and/or inappropriate cerebellar motor commands might account for this postural ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Göttlich
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lubeck, Germany
| | - Andreas Sprenger
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lubeck, Germany
- Institute of Psychology II, University of Lübeck, Lubeck, Germany
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Case 41. Neuroophthalmology 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4471-2410-8_41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Tseng KC, Li H, Clark A, Sundem L, Zuscik M, Noble M, Elfar J. 4-Aminopyridine promotes functional recovery and remyelination in acute peripheral nerve injury. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:1409-1420. [PMID: 27861125 PMCID: PMC5167128 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201506035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic peripheral nerve damage is a major medical problem without effective treatment options. In repurposing studies on 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a potassium channel blocker that provides symptomatic relief in some chronic neurological afflictions, we discovered this agent offers significant promise as a small molecule regenerative agent for acute traumatic nerve injury. We found, in a mouse model of sciatic crush injury, that sustained early 4-AP administration increased the speed and extent of behavioral recovery too rapidly to be explained by axonal regeneration. Further studies demonstrated that 4-AP also enhanced recovery of nerve conduction velocity, promoted remyelination, and increased axonal area post-injury. We additionally found that 4-AP treatment enables distinction between incomplete and complete lesions more rapidly than existing approaches, thereby potentially addressing the critical challenge of more effectively distinguishing injured individuals who may require mutually exclusive treatment approaches. Thus, 4-AP singularly provides both a new potential therapy to promote durable recovery and remyelination in acute peripheral nerve injury and a means of identifying lesions in which this therapy would be most likely to be of value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Ching Tseng
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Haiyan Li
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Clark
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Leigh Sundem
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Michael Zuscik
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mark Noble
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - John Elfar
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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Strupp M, Teufel J, Zwergal A, Schniepp R, Khodakhah K, Feil K. Aminopyridines for the treatment of neurologic disorders. Neurol Clin Pract 2016; 7:65-76. [PMID: 28243504 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To identify the different indications for the treatment of neurologic disorders with the potassium channel blockers 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP). RECENT FINDINGS 4-AP is an effective symptomatic treatment for downbeat nystagmus (DBN), episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) (5-10 mg TID), and impaired gait in multiple sclerosis (MS) (10 mg BID). 3,4-DAP (5 mg/d-20 mg TID) improves symptoms in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) (randomized placebo-controlled trials for all 4 entities). 4-AP may also be effective in cerebellar gait ataxia of different etiologies (2 case series), upbeat nystagmus, and limb ataxia in MS (single cases). In the recommended dosages, they are well tolerated. The assumed mode of action is a blockade of mainly Kv1.5: in DBN, this increases the excitability of Purkinje cells (PC), and in EA2, restores the precision of resting discharge of PC. In MS, 4-AP improves the conduction of action potentials in demyelinated axons, and in LEMS, 3,4-DAP facilitates the transmission at the neuromuscular endplate by prolonging the action potential duration. SUMMARY There is sufficient evidence that APs are indicated for the symptomatic treatment of DBN, EA2, gait ataxia due to MS and cerebellar disorders, and LEMS with a reasonable risk-benefit profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Strupp
- University Hospital (MS, JT, AZ, RS, KF), Munich, Germany; and Albert Einstein College of Medicine (KK), New York, NY
| | - Julian Teufel
- University Hospital (MS, JT, AZ, RS, KF), Munich, Germany; and Albert Einstein College of Medicine (KK), New York, NY
| | - Andreas Zwergal
- University Hospital (MS, JT, AZ, RS, KF), Munich, Germany; and Albert Einstein College of Medicine (KK), New York, NY
| | - Roman Schniepp
- University Hospital (MS, JT, AZ, RS, KF), Munich, Germany; and Albert Einstein College of Medicine (KK), New York, NY
| | - Kamran Khodakhah
- University Hospital (MS, JT, AZ, RS, KF), Munich, Germany; and Albert Einstein College of Medicine (KK), New York, NY
| | - Katharina Feil
- University Hospital (MS, JT, AZ, RS, KF), Munich, Germany; and Albert Einstein College of Medicine (KK), New York, NY
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Kalla R, Teufel J, Feil K, Muth C, Strupp M. Update on the pharmacotherapy of cerebellar and central vestibular disorders. J Neurol 2016; 263 Suppl 1:S24-9. [PMID: 27083881 PMCID: PMC4833819 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-7987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
An overview of the current pharmacotherapy of central vestibular syndromes and the most common forms of central nystagmus as well as cerebellar disorders is given. 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is recommended for the treatment of downbeat nystagmus, a frequent form of acquired persisting fixation nystagmus, and upbeat nystagmus. Animal studies showed that this non-selective blocker of voltage-gated potassium channels increases Purkinje cell excitability and normalizes the irregular firing rate, so that the inhibitory influence of the cerebellar cortex on vestibular and deep cerebellar nuclei is restored. The efficacy of 4-AP in episodic ataxia type 2, which is most often caused by mutations of the PQ-calcium channel, was demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. It was also shown in an animal model (the tottering mouse) of episodic ataxia type 2. In a case series, chlorzoxazone, a non-selective activator of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, was shown to reduce the DBN. The efficacy of acetyl-DL-leucine as a potential new symptomatic treatment for cerebellar diseases has been demonstrated in three case series. The ongoing randomized controlled trials on episodic ataxia type 2 (sustained-release form of 4-aminopyridine vs. acetazolamide vs. placebo; EAT2TREAT), vestibular migraine with metoprolol (PROVEMIG-trial), cerebellar gait disorders (sustained-release form of 4-aminopyridine vs. placebo; FACEG) and cerebellar ataxia (acetyl-DL-leucine vs. placebo; ALCAT) will provide new insights into the pharmacotherapy of cerebellar and central vestibular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Kalla
- Division of Cognitive and Restorative Neurology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Julian Teufel
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Feil
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Muth
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Strupp
- Division of Cognitive and Restorative Neurology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
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Teufel J, Bardins S, Spiegel R, Kremmyda O, Schneider E, Strupp M, Kalla R. Real-time computer-based visual feedback improves visual acuity in downbeat nystagmus - a pilot study. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2016; 13:1. [PMID: 26728632 PMCID: PMC4700576 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-015-0109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with downbeat nystagmus syndrome suffer from oscillopsia, which leads to an unstable visual perception and therefore impaired visual acuity. The aim of this study was to use real-time computer-based visual feedback to compensate for the destabilizing slow phase eye movements. METHODS The patients were sitting in front of a computer screen with the head fixed on a chin rest. The eye movements were recorded by an eye tracking system (EyeSeeCam®). We tested the visual acuity with a fixed Landolt C (static) and during real-time feedback driven condition (dynamic) in gaze straight ahead and (20°) sideward gaze. In the dynamic condition, the Landolt C moved according to the slow phase eye velocity of the downbeat nystagmus. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test for normal distribution and one-way ANOVA for comparison. RESULTS Ten patients with downbeat nystagmus were included in the study. Median age was 76 years and the median duration of symptoms was 6.3 years (SD +/- 3.1y). The mean slow phase velocity was moderate during gaze straight ahead (1.44°/s, SD +/- 1.18°/s) and increased significantly in sideward gaze (mean left 3.36°/s; right 3.58°/s). In gaze straight ahead, we found no difference between the static and feedback driven condition. In sideward gaze, visual acuity improved in five out of ten subjects during the feedback-driven condition (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS This study provides proof of concept that non-invasive real-time computer-based visual feedback compensates for the SPV in DBN. Therefore, real-time visual feedback may be a promising aid for patients suffering from oscillopsia and impaired text reading on screen. Recent technological advances in the area of virtual reality displays might soon render this approach feasible in fully mobile settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Teufel
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilans-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - S Bardins
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilans-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Rainer Spiegel
- Division of Internal Medicine, Basel University Hospital, Am Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - O Kremmyda
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilans-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - E Schneider
- Institute of Medical Technology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Großenhainer Str. 57, 01968, Senftenberg, Germany.
| | - M Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilans-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - R Kalla
- Department of Neurology Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 4, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
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Strupp M, Dieterich M, Zwergal A, Brandt T. [Peripheral, central and functional vertigo syndromes]. DER NERVENARZT 2015; 86:1573-84; quiz 1585-6. [PMID: 26643594 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-015-4425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Depending on the temporal course, three forms of vertigo syndrome can be differentiated: 1) vertigo attacks, e.g. benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Menière's disease and vestibular migraine, 2) acute spontaneous vertigo lasting for days, e.g. acute unilateral vestibulopathy, brainstem or cerebellar infarction and 3) symptoms lasting for months or years, e.g. bilateral vestibulopathy and functional vertigo. The specific therapy of the various syndromes is based on three principles: 1) physical treatment with liberatory maneuvers for BPPV and balance training for vestibular deficits, 2) pharmacotherapy, e.g. for acute unilateral vestibulopathy (corticosteroids) and Menière's disease (transtympanic administration of gentamicin or steroids and high-dose betahistine therapy); placebo-controlled pharmacotherapy studies are currently being carried out for acute unilateral vestibulopathy, vestibular paroxysmia, prophylaxis of BPPV, vestibular migraine, episodic ataxia type 2 and cerebellar ataxia; 3) psychotherapy for functional dizziness.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Strupp
- Neurologische Klinik, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland. .,Deutsches Schwindel- und Gleichgewichtszentrum, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern, München, Deutschland.
| | - M Dieterich
- Neurologische Klinik, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.,Deutsches Schwindel- und Gleichgewichtszentrum, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern, München, Deutschland.,SyNergy, Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, München, Deutschland
| | - A Zwergal
- Neurologische Klinik, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.,Deutsches Schwindel- und Gleichgewichtszentrum, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern, München, Deutschland
| | - T Brandt
- Deutsches Schwindel- und Gleichgewichtszentrum, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern, München, Deutschland.,Institut für Klinische Neurowissenschaften, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern, München, Deutschland
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Short-term impact of fampridine on motor and cognitive functions, mood and quality of life among multiple sclerosis patients. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2015; 139:35-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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47
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Feil K, Bremova T, Muth C, Schniepp R, Teufel J, Strupp M. Update on the Pharmacotherapy of Cerebellar Ataxia and Nystagmus. THE CEREBELLUM 2015; 15:38-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-015-0733-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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49
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Golnik KC. Neuro-Ophthalmology Annual Review. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2015; 4:307-15. [PMID: 26417928 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this review was to update the practicing ophthalmologist on the English language neuro-ophthalmology literature from the past year. DESIGN A review of English language literature from August 1, 2013, to August 1, 2014, was conducted. METHODS The author searched PubMed from August 1, 2013, to August 1, 2014, limited to English language publications including original articles, review articles, and case reports and excluding letters to the editor, unpublished work, and abstracts. The following topics were searched: pupillary abnormalities, eye movement dysfunction, neuromuscular diseases, optic neuropathies, optic neuritis, demyelinating diseases including multiple sclerosis, lesions of the optic chiasm and posterior primary visual pathways, elevated intracranial pressure, tumors and aneurysms affecting the visual pathways, vascular diseases, higher visual function, and neuroimaging advances. The focus of this review is on clinically relevant literature in the past year for the practicing ophthalmologist. The aim was to highlight remarkable and interesting literature rather than exhaustively including all new neuro-ophthalmological publications of the year. RESULTS Initially, more than 11,000 articles were identified. One hundred were selected that met criteria specified above. CONCLUSIONS This review updates the comprehensive ophthalmologist on neuro-ophthalmic topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl C Golnik
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati, OH
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Strupp M, Zwergal A, Feil K, Bremova T, Brandt T. Pharmacotherapy of vestibular and cerebellar disorders and downbeat nystagmus: translational and back-translational research. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2015; 1343:27-36. [PMID: 25903394 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There are currently eight groups of drugs for the pharmacotherapy of vertigo, nystagmus, and cerebellar disorders: antiemetics; anti-inflammatories, antimenieres, and antimigraineous medications; antidepressants, anticonvulsants, aminopyridines, and acetyl-DL-leucine ("the eight A's"). In acute unilateral vestibulopathy, corticosteroids improve the recovery of peripheral vestibular function, but there is not sufficient current evidence for a general recommendation. There is also insufficient evidence that 48 or 144 mg/day betahistine has an effect in Ménière's disease. Therefore, higher dosages are currently recommended; in animal studies, it was shown that betahistine increases cochlear blood flow. In vestibular paroxysmia, oxcarbazepine was effective (one yet not randomized controlled trial (RCT)). Aminopyridines are recommended for the treatment of downbeat nystagmus (two RCTs) and episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2, one RCT). There are so far no RCTs on vestibular migraine, so currently no treatment can be recommended. Acetyl-dl-leucine improves cerebellar ataxia (three observational studies); it also accelerates central compensation in an animal model of acute unilateral lesion, but RCTs were negative. There are ongoing RCTs on vestibular paroxysmia with carbamazepine (VESPA), acute unilateral vestibulopathy with betahistine (BETAVEST), vestibular migraine with metoprolol (PROVEMIG), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with vitamin D (VitD@BPPV), EA2 with 4-aminopyridine versus acetazolamide (EAT-2-TREAT), and cerebellar ataxias with acetyl-DL-leucine (ALCAT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders and Institute for Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospital Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
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