Use of Antiepileptic Drugs for Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders

Abstract

Many studies investigated the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in several neurological diseases other than epilepsy. These neurological disorders, usually, involve neuronal excitability through the modulating of ion channels, receptors and intracellular signaling pathways, and are the targets of the AEDs. This article provides a review of the clinical efficacy of both conventional and newer AEDs in hyperkinetic movement disorders. Some of these indications for AEDs have been established, while others are under investigation. The modulation of GABAergic transmission may explain the neuronal hyper-excitability that underlies some forms of hyperkinetic movement disorders. So, AEDs able to increase GABAergic neurotransmission may play a role in hyperkinetic movement disorders treatment. Therefore, AEDs could represent a useful therapeutic option in the management of hyperkinetic movement disorders where the available treatments are ineffective.

Punding following posterior cerebral artery infarction: a case report and review of literature

“…Theoretically, reduced basal ganglia output would result in disinhibition of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits, exciting cortical motor areas to exhibit movements that ought to be suppressed 6,12. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been shown to be a vital neurotransmitter in the basal ganglia output pathway 12,13. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and acts as an enhancer of GABA-mediated effects 12,13.…”

“…Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been shown to be a vital neurotransmitter in the basal ganglia output pathway 12,13. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and acts as an enhancer of GABA-mediated effects 12,13. As a consequence, it might increase GABAergic neurotransmission and thereby modulate movement disorders 6,12.…”

“…Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and acts as an enhancer of GABA-mediated effects 12,13. As a consequence, it might increase GABAergic neurotransmission and thereby modulate movement disorders 6,12. In clinical practice, clonazepam has been proven to be effective in several poststroke movement disorders including hemichorea, hemiballism, dystonia, myoclonus, and tremor 13,14…”

Effects of Phenobarbital and Levetiracetam on PR and QTc Intervals in Patients with Post-Stroke Seizure

“…Phenobarbital is also able to block the sodium channels [37][38][39] and could increase the QT interval.…”

Pharmacological Neuromodulation in Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…All of these mechanisms are of importance in controlling neuronal excitability in different ways." (Siniscalchi, Gallelli & De Sarro, 2010) When pharmacological interventions are applied, secondary to their clinical intent, they serve as probes of endophenotypic neural functioning and circuitry states revealing response to particular pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles. The classes of antipsychotic drugs considered to be atypical are described by Schwartz with such considerations in mind.…”