Is Ataxia A Permanent Side Effect Of Ativan?
Neuro Eval 01/23/15 (please see upload) for 2 page summary
MRI w/contrast: unremarkable
Last night, shortly after lying down, I experienced severe cramping of my right foot. The 4 toes (not the large toe) was pulled down and the arch became rigid for ~3-4 minutes. I had to stretch the toes upward several times (with my hand) to lessen the pain.
MY QUESTION: I am afraid I might have PD or cerebellar disease. I am also concerned that the ataxia/nystagmus might be a permanent side effect of the Ativan. Is there a diagnostic test to differentiate?
Thanks for your help.
Ativan causes ataxia.Thyroid function tests and vitamin E levels.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I feel concerned about you.I have gone through your detailed medical history and documents of your neurological evaluation.
If you would have presented to me as an outpatient, I would have made your diagnosis of a primarily cerebellar syndrome considering normal cranial nerves,motor examination and reflexes.Fine sensory loss in fingers is though,not a part of cerebellar syndrome.Considering your normal MRI brain, I would advise you to get thyroid function tests and vitamin E levels which are very common causes of ataxia,if MRI turns normal.
Besides,I strongly feel that long term use of ativan has contributed to your ataxia as long term use of benzodiazepines is common to cause cerebellar disorder.
Please get the investigations as I advised and follow-up.Stop ativan completely.As you have stopped it,cerebellar functions may take upto months to improve.No specific drug to enhance recovery.
If you are satisfied with the answer for now,please close the thread,rate it and write a review.
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)