DIPHENHYDRAMINE IS EFFECTIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC DYSTONIA

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of diphenhydramine hydrochlorid e (Benadryl) in the treatment of patients with idiopathic truncal dyst onia. Design: Before-and-after trial. Setting: University referral cen ter. Patients: Five consecutive patients with idiopathic truncal dysto nia who were poorly treated with conventional pharmacotherapies. No pa tients were withdrawn from the trial for adverse side effects. Interve ntions: Treatments with diphenhydramine hydrochloride (50 mg intraveno usly or up to 500 mg/kg orally). Follow-up for up to 20 months. Main O utcome Measure: Dystonia evaluation. Results: Diphenhydramine therapy was associated with minimal side effects, and it was most effective in treating patients with dystonia who experienced lightning jerks. Trea tment with intravenous diphenhydramine may have a predictive value on a future response to oral therapy. Conclusion: Diphenhydramine should be considered a therapeutic option for idiopathic truncal dystonia wit h lightning jerks.