Epilepsy and cerebellar ataxia associated with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies

Article Article scientifique Article Epilepsy and cerebellar ataxia associated with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies eng 2007 author Vulliemoz Serge 0000-0002-1877-8625 712268 author Vanini Greta 680752 author Truffert André 108064 author Chizzolini Carlo 93910 author Seeck Margitta 133679 187-189 10.1136/jnnp.2006.089268 17229747 0022-3050 Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies are described in stiff-person syndrome and also in other neurological syndromes, including cerebellar ataxia and epilepsy. This paper reports the case of a patient who had chronic focal epilepsy, upbeat nystagmus and cerebellar ataxia, associated with a polyautoimmune response including anti-GAD antibodies. Both gait and nystagmus improved markedly after immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine. After the introduction of benzodiazepines, previously refractory seizures were completely controlled. Anti-GAD antibodies should be actively sought out in pharmacoresistant epilepsy, particularly if other neurological abnormalities are present. Combined treatment with immunosuppressants and gammahydroxybutyric acidergic agents may be highly effective. Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use Autoantibodies Azathioprine/therapeutic use Cerebellar Ataxia/drug therapy/immunology Epilepsy/drug therapy/immunology Glutamate Decarboxylase/immunology Humans Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use Male Middle Aged Nystagmus, Pathologic Treatment Outcome Dewey 616 Dewey 616.8 56 Département de médecine 221 61 Département des neurosciences cliniques 226 false 385 La matrice extracellulaire 651 Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry 78 2 3e0ff579-ca17-402b-8db4-52e497b3f1bd Article (Published version) Public S Vulliemoz-J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry - 2007.pdf 419411 application/pdf openAccess Faculté de médecine / Section de médecine clinique / Département de médecine Faculté de médecine / Section de médecine clinique / Département des neurosciences cliniques

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Epilepsy and cerebellar ataxia associated with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies	Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry			2007	534	636

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Vanini, Greta