J. Lou, L. Goldfarb, L. McShane
Oct 1, 1995
Citations
2
Influential Citations
88
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Archives of neurology
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of buspirone hydrochloride, a serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine1A) agonist, in treating patients with cerebellar ataxia. DESIGN Open-label study in which 20 patients (14 with cerebellar cortical atrophy and six with olivopontocerebellar atrophy) received buspirone hydrochloride, up to 60 mg/d, for 8 weeks. SETTING Research hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical, physiological, and psychological assessment. RESULTS Nine patients with mild or moderate cerebellar dysfunction who completed the study showed significant improvement in clinical and self-assessment ratings, but not in a motor performance test, posturography (data were incomplete), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. Seven patients with severe cerebellar dysfunction who completed the study had no improvement on any measure. CONCLUSIONS Buspirone may be effective in treating mild to moderate cerebellar ataxia. A double-blind study of the efficacy of buspirone in cerebellar ataxia is warranted.