Gabapentin Therapy for Acute Sensory Neuronopathy: A case report.

, Ko, Young Jin; , Kim, Jong Hyun; , Lee, Jong In; , Kang, Sae Yoon; , Lim, Seong Hoon; , Im, Sun

Case Report

Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 2004;28(1):104-108.

Ko, Young Jin , Kim, Jong Hyun , Lee, Jong In , Kang, Sae Yoon , Lim, Seong Hoon , Im, Sun

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea. lafolia@hanmail.net

급성 감각 신경원병증에서 Gabapentin을 이용한 치료 ⁣증례 보고⁣

고영진⋅김종현⋅이종인⋅강세윤, 임성훈⋅임선

가톨릭대학교 의과대학 재활의학교실

Abstract

Sensory neuronopathy (sensory ganglionitis), believed to be caused by an autoimmune attack against the dorsal root ganglia, has been recently linked with antiganglioside antibodies (anti-GD 1b). We present a case of idiopathic sensory neuronopathy with a positive anti-GD 1b IgG. The patient showed functional improvement with the use of gabapentin and immediately showed a resumption of symptoms when its use was stopped. Currently there is no proven therapy for sensory neuronopathy and the effect of immunosuppressive and intra venous immunoglobulin has been reported with mixed results. Also, there has been no research yet on the use and effect of gabapentin in sensory neuronopathy. This case shows that gabapentin alleviated neuropathic pain and tingling sensation in sensory neuronopathy. The authors believe that gabapentin modulated the voltage dependent calcium channels in the dorsal root ganglion and that this led to overall clinical and functional improvement. The curative or relieving effect of gabapentin in sensory neuronopathy still needs more research in the future. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2004; 28: 104-108)

Key Words: Sensory ganglionitis, Sensory neuronopathy, Gabapentin, Anti-ganglioside antibody IgG