Topiramate therapy for paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis

We observed the clinical efficacy of topiramate for paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis (PKC). Topiramate was administered as a monotherapy with titrated dosages to 8 patients with PKC. Target daily dose of topiramate was 100 to 200 mg; the follow-up period ranged from 8 months to 2 years. All of the patients became attack-free, and side effects were mild. The results show that topiramate is effective as a monotherapy for treating patients with PKC. The response to topiramate indicates that the disease may be caused by an ion channel defect. (C) 2004 Movement Disorder Society