Pediatric Movement Disorders - Treatments

Channel Modulators

Some paroxysmal movement disorders, including periodic paralysis, episodic ataxia, and alternating hemiplegia, are probably caused by abnormalities in the channels that transport small molecules such as potassium, sodium, or calcium across cell membranes. Therefore, these disorders may respond to medications that affect the behavior of these channels. Such medications include acetazolamide (Diamox®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), topiramate (Topamax®), and calcium-channel blockers, (e.g., flunarizine [Sibelium®, not available in the US], nifedipine [Procardia® Adalat®], and others). Common side effects include drowsiness, low blood pressure, and nausea.