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Cornforth E, Schmahmann JD. Physical Therapy and Aminopyridine for Downbeat Nystagmus Syndrome: A Case Report. J Neurol Phys Ther 2024:01253086-990000000-00067. [PMID: 38898545 DOI: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Individuals with downbeat nystagmus (DBN) syndrome present with DBN, dizziness, blurred vision, and unsteady gait. Pharmacological intervention with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) may be effective in improving oculomotor function, but there is minimal evidence to date that it improves gait. This suggests the possible benefit of combining pharmacotherapy with physical therapy to maximize outcomes. This case report documents improvements in gait and balance after physical therapy and aminopyridine (AP) in an individual with DBN syndrome. CASE DESCRIPTION The patient was a 70-year-old man with a 4-year history of worsening dizziness and imbalance, diagnosed with DBN syndrome. He demonstrated impaired oculomotor function, dizziness, and imbalance, which resulted in falls and limited community ambulation. INTERVENTION The patient completed a customized, tapered course of physical therapy over 6 months. Outcome measures included the 10-meter walk test, the Timed Up and Go (TUG), the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the modified clinical test of sensory integration and balance. OUTCOMES Improvements exceeding minimal detectable change were demonstrated on the TUG and the DGI. Gait speed on the 10-meter walk test did not change significantly, but the patient was able to use a cane to ambulate in the community and reported no further falls. DISCUSSION Controlled studies are needed to explore the potential for AP to augment physical therapy in people with DBN syndrome. Physical therapists are encouraged to communicate with referring medical providers about the use of AP as pharmacotherapy along with physical therapy for individuals with DBN syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Cornforth
- Author Affiliations: MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA and Department of Physical Therapy, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA (E.C.); and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Ataxia Center, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Boston, MA (J.D.S.)
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Perlman SL. CRPD frontiers in movement disorders Therapeutics: From evidence to treatment and applications: Addressing Patients' Needs in the Management of the Ataxias. Clin Park Relat Disord 2024; 10:100255. [PMID: 38798918 PMCID: PMC11126860 DOI: 10.1016/j.prdoa.2024.100255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The genetic ataxias have no cures and no proven ways to delay progression (no disease-modifying therapies). The acquired ataxias may have treatments that address the underlying cause and may slow or stop progression, but will not reverse damage already sustained. The idiopathic ataxias (of unknown genetic or acquired cause) also have no proven disease-modifying therapies. However, for all patients with ataxia of any cause, there is always something that can be done to improve quality of life-treat associated symptoms, provide information and resources, counsel patient and family, help with insurance and disability concerns, be available to listen and answer the many questions they will have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L. Perlman
- Department of Neurology David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Health Sciences 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite B200 Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
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Heusel-Gillig LL, Hall CD. Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation for Patients with Degenerative Cerebellar Ataxia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1520. [PMID: 38002480 PMCID: PMC10669586 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Many patients with cerebellar ataxia have dizziness caused by oculomotor or peripheral vestibular deficits; however, there is little evidence supporting the use of vestibular rehabilitation for this population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with degenerative cerebellar diseases improve following rehabilitation including vestibular exercises. A secondary aim was to identify variables associated with the outcomes. A retrospective chart review identified 42 ambulatory patients (23 men and 19 women; mean age = 54.5 ± 14.4 years) with cerebellar degeneration. Fourteen patients had ataxia only, twenty had ataxia and oculomotor abnormalities, and eight had ataxia with oculomotor and peripheral vestibular deficits. Patients received customized physical therapy including balance and gait training, as well as gaze stabilization and habituation exercises for vestibular hypofunction and motion-provoked dizziness. Primary outcome measures (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, Dynamic Gait index, and Sensory Organization Test) were evaluated at baseline and discharge. Patients improved (p < 0.05) on all outcome measures. Patients with vestibular deficits were seen for more visits compared to those with gait ataxia only (7.1 vs. 4.8 visits). This study provides evidence that patients with degenerative cerebellar disease improve in balance confidence, fall risk and sensory integration with therapy that includes vestibular rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Courtney D. Hall
- James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN 37684, USA
- Physical Therapy Program, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
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Barbuto S, Kuo SH, Winterbottom L, Lee S, Stern Y, O'Dell M, Stein J. Home Aerobic Training for Cerebellar Degenerative Diseases: a Randomized Controlled Trial. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:272-281. [PMID: 35303255 PMCID: PMC8932090 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01394-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Balance training has shown some benefits in cerebellar ataxia whereas the effects of aerobic training are relatively unknown. To determine whether a phase III trial comparing home aerobic to balance training in ambulatory patients with cerebellar ataxia is warranted, we conducted a single-center, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Nineteen subjects were randomized to aerobic training and 17 subjects to balance training. The primary outcome was improvement in ataxia as measured by the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Secondary outcomes included safety, training adherence, and balance improvements. There were no differences between groups at baseline. Thirty-one participants completed the trial, and there were no training-related serious adverse events. Compliance to training was over 70%. There was a mean improvement in ataxia symptoms of 1.9 SARA points (SD 1.62) in the aerobic group compared to an improvement of 0.6 points (SD 1.34) in the balance group. Although two measures of balance were equivocal between groups, one measure of balance showed greater improvement with balance training compared to aerobic training. In conclusion, this 6-month trial comparing home aerobic versus balance training in cerebellar ataxia had excellent retention and adherence to training. There were no serious adverse events, and training was not interrupted by minor adverse events like falls or back pain. There was a significant improvement in ataxia symptoms with home aerobic training compared to balance training, and a phase III trial is warranted. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03701776 on October 8, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Barbuto
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, Harkness Pavilion, 180 Fort Washington, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Winterbottom
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, Harkness Pavilion, 180 Fort Washington, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Seonjoo Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yaakov Stern
- Department of Neurology and Taub Institute, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael O'Dell
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joel Stein
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, Harkness Pavilion, 180 Fort Washington, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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Jabri S, Bushart DD, Kinnaird C, Bao T, Bu A, Shakkottai VG, Sienko KH. Preliminary Study of Vibrotactile Feedback during Home-Based Balance and Coordination Training in Individuals with Cerebellar Ataxia. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22093512. [PMID: 35591203 PMCID: PMC9103288 DOI: 10.3390/s22093512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Intensive balance and coordination training is the mainstay of treatment for symptoms of impaired balance and mobility in individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. In this study, we compared the effects of home-based balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Ten participants (five males, five females; 47 ± 12 years) with inherited forms of cerebellar ataxia were recruited to participate in a 12-week crossover study during which they completed two six-week blocks of balance and coordination training with and without vibrotactile SA. Participants were instructed to perform balance and coordination exercises five times per week using smartphone balance trainers that provided written, graphic, and video guidance and measured trunk sway. The pre-, per-, and post-training performance were assessed using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), SARAposture&gait sub-scores, Dynamic Gait Index, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance, Timed Up and Go performed with and without a cup of water, and multiple kinematic measures of postural sway measured with a single inertial measurement unit placed on the participants’ trunks. To explore the effects of training with and without vibrotactile SA, we compared the changes in performance achieved after participants completed each six-week block of training. Among the seven participants who completed both blocks of training, the change in the SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores following training with vibrotactile SA was not significantly different from the change achieved following training without SA (p>0.05). However, a trend toward improved SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores was observed following training with vibrotactile SA; compared to their pre-vibrotacile SA training scores, participants significantly improved their SARA scores (mean=−1.21, p=0.02) and SARAposture&gait sub-scores (mean=−1.00, p=0.01). In contrast, no significant changes in SARA scores and SARAposture&gait sub-scores were observed following the six weeks of training without SA compared to their pre-training scores immediately preceding the training block without vibrotactile SA (p>0.05). No significant changes in trunk kinematic sway parameters were observed as a result of training (p>0.05). Based on the findings from this preliminary study, balance and coordination training improved the participants’ motor performance, as captured through the SARA. Vibrotactile SA may be a beneficial addition to training regimens for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia, but additional research with larger sample sizes is needed to assess the significance and generalizability of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Jabri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
| | - David D. Bushart
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Catherine Kinnaird
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Tian Bao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Angel Bu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Vikram G. Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Correspondence: (V.G.S.); (K.H.S.)
| | - Kathleen H. Sienko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.); (C.K.); (T.B.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: (V.G.S.); (K.H.S.)
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