Crossover trial of gabapentin and memantine as treatment for acquired nystagmus

View or print this bulletin in its original format.

Medical Update Memo
May 19, 2010

Summary

Acquired forms of nystagmus (rapid involuntary movements of the eyes) often produce disabling visual symptoms. The authors used a blinded crossover trial design to study 10 people with a variety of neurological conditions, 3 of whom had MS. Study participants were randomly assigned to first take gabapentin of memantine. They found that all people improved with one or both drugs and concluded that both drugs should be considered as treatment for acquired forms of nystagmus. Ann Neurol. 2010 May;67(5):676-80.

Details

Researchers  conducted a masked, crossover, therapeutic trial of gabapentin (1,200mg/day) versus memantine (40 mg/day) for acquired nystagmus in 10 patients (aged 28-61 years; 7 female; 3 multiple sclerosis [MS]; 6 post-stroke; 1 post-traumatic). Nystagmus was pendular in 6 patients (4 oculopalatal tremor; 2 MS) and jerk upbeat, hemi-seesaw, torsional, or upbeat-diagonal in each of the others. For the group, both drugs reduced median eye speed (p < 0.001), gabapentin by 32.8% and memantine by 27.8%, and improved visual acuity (p < 0.05). Each patient improved with 1 or both drugs. Side effects included unsteadiness with gabapentin and lethargy with memantine.  The investigators conclude that both drugs should be considered as treatment for acquired forms of nystagmus.

National Research and Programs

Offert en français.

Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy, but provides information to assist individuals in making their own decisions.

Back to top