Carrasco VH, Castellanos RJ, Aceves RR

Language: Spanish
References: 7
Page: 1-5
PDF size: 81.88 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction. Essential tremor is probably the most frequent movement disorder, particularly among the senile population. It can affect the ability to perform the daily living activities in such a way, that patients frequently need family help for simple tasks such as getting dressed, feeding and so on. Patients frequently get socially isolated.
Material and method.
Results. Current treatments include propranolol, a beta-channel blocker and primidone, a barbiturate, which can produce improvement in 40% to 50% of the patients. These drugs have many adverse side effects in diabetic or cardiovascular patients. Because of this, new therapies with less side effects are needed.
Conclusion. In this study, topiramate demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of essential tremor with the advantage of being safe at any age group, or in patients with diabetes or cardiovascular problems, two very frequent situations in Mexican population.

REFERENCES

1. Louis ED, Ottman R, Hauser WA. How common is the most common adult movement disorder: estimates of the prevalence of essential tremor throughout the word. Mov Disord 1998; 13: 5-10.

2. Benito-Leon J, Bermejo-Pareja F, Morales JM, et al. Prevalencia of essential tremor in three elderly populations of central Spain. Mov Disord 2003; 18: 389-94.

3. Koller WC, Vetere-Overfield B. Acute and chronic effects of propranolol and primidone in essential tremor. Neurology 1989; 39: 1587-8. Class III.

4. Hansten PD, Horn JR. In: Wickersham RM, O’Dell, JA (eds.). Managing clinically important drug interactions. St Louis: Facts & Comparisons; 2004.

5. Findley LJ, Cleeves L, Calzetti S. Primidone in essential tremor of the hands and head: a double blind controlled clinical study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1985; 48: 911–5.

6. White HS. Mechanism of action of newer anticonvulsants. J Clin Psychiatry 2003; 64(Suppl. 8): 5-8.

7. Matts YL, Coolers WC. Principles Neurology, disorders, movement. Chapter 27 Essential Tremor. Mc Graw Hill; 2004, p. 442-4.