Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Ataxia A Permanent Side Effect Of Ativan?
Question: I am experiencing ataxia with RUE disdidokinesias, bilateral nystagmus and ataxic gait. No significant medical issue prior to onset. First symptoms ~6 months ago. Noticed some double vision (only while looking to the left) and fell while reaching for clothes in my closet. Rx antivan 1mg, Cerefolin tab (for memory loss) & celexa for several months. I contacted insurance agent, pharmacy to see if visual/balance issues might be a side of meds. They thought not but advised to contact MD. I explained symptoms to the prescribing MD who stated my visual problems were not listed as a side effect. Last dose of antivan 1 mg taken at 4am 11/25/15 w/ no meds since then. I never used alcohol, street drugs or taken any meds other than as prescribed. Meds were also taken at (or less) than dosage prescribed.
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.
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.
Brief Answer:
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)
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)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
