High-dose piracetam is effective on cerebellar ataxia in patient with cerebellar cortical atrophy

Mov Disord. 2003 Apr;18(4):457-9. doi: 10.1002/mds.10364.

Abstract

We describe a patient with cerebellar ataxia of degenerative nature who was administered high-dose piracetam in a single-blind trial. Piracetam was demonstrated to be highly effective on tandem gait and gait ataxia in daily doses of 60 g. We suggest piracetam has a potential anti-ataxic effect in human cerebellar ataxia when used in considerably higher doses than those indicated for other purposes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atrophy
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / diagnosis
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / drug therapy*
  • Cerebellar Cortex / pathology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Neuroprotective Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / adverse effects
  • Piracetam / administration & dosage*
  • Piracetam / adverse effects
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Spinocerebellar Degenerations / diagnosis
  • Spinocerebellar Degenerations / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Walking

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Piracetam