Article Text
Abstract
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 γhydroxybutyric acidergic agents may be highly effective.
- CAPA, cerebellar ataxia with polyendocrine autoimmunity
- GABA, γhydroxybutyric acid
- GAD, glutamic acid decarboxylase
- GAD-Ab, autoantibodies against GAD
- IDDM, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
- PET, positron emission tomography
- SPS, stiff-person syndrome
Statistics from Altmetric.com
Footnotes
-
Funding: This study was supported by SNF grants IB74B0-111086, 3200B0-104146, 3200-068105 and 3200-113766.
-
Competing interests: None declared.
-
Informed consent was obtained for publication of the patient’s details described in this report.
Request Permissions
If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.