Double-blind crossover trial of gabapentin in SPG4-linked hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Author(s): Scheuer KH, Svenstrup K, Jennum P, Rogvi-Hansen B, Werdelin L, Fenger K, Nielsen JE

Affiliation(s): Department of Neurology, Hillerod Hospital, Denmark. kristin@scheuerhome.dk

Publication date & source: 2007-06, Eur J Neurol., 14(6):663-6.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) are often treated with antispastic drugs to relieve symptoms but documentation is lacking. In this study, gabapentin was tested in a double-blind crossover trial on a group of patients with HSP and linkage to the SPG4 locus. There was no difference between periods with gabapentin and placebo treatment in clinical assessment, self-reported parameters or paired transcranial magnetic stimulation evaluation of motor cortical excitability.