Neuron with MS plaques, acetazolamide easing dystonia.

Can Acetazolamide Ease Dystonia in Multiple Sclerosis?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 3 min read.

"A Case Study and Review of Acetazolamide's Potential in Managing Paroxysmal Dystonia"

Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents many challenges, and one of the less common but significantly impactful symptoms is dystonia. Dystonia, characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, can severely affect a person's quality of life and functional abilities. While treatments for MS-related spasticity are well-established, managing dystonia often requires a different approach.

A recent case highlighted in 'Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment' explores the use of acetazolamide, a medication primarily known for treating glaucoma and epilepsy, in managing paroxysmal dystonia in an MS patient. This case offers new insights into how acetazolamide could potentially alleviate dystonic symptoms when other treatments fail.

This article delves into the specifics of the case study, discusses the mechanism of acetazolamide, and reviews existing literature to provide a comprehensive overview of its potential in treating MS-related dystonia. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone affected by MS, this information could open new avenues for managing this challenging symptom.

The Case: Acetazolamide's Impact on Paroxysmal Dystonia

Neuron with MS plaques, acetazolamide easing dystonia.

The case study features a 40-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting MS who developed long-lasting paroxysmal dystonia in her left hand. Despite treatments like high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, interferon, and baclofen, along with occupational therapy, her condition persisted. This is where acetazolamide came into the picture.

Upon administering oral acetazolamide at 250 mg three times a day for four days, a notable improvement was observed. The dystonic movement subsided without recurrence during a 17-month follow-up. This outcome suggests that acetazolamide may offer a swift and effective solution for similar cases.

Initial Condition: The patient experienced persistent dystonia in her left hand despite conventional treatments.
Acetazolamide Treatment: Administered orally at 250 mg three times a day for four days.
Outcome: Dystonic movement subsided, and there was no recurrence during the 17-month follow-up period.

This case aligns with previous findings, indicating the potential of acetazolamide in managing paroxysmal dystonia associated with MS. The rapid response and lack of recurrence highlight the drug's promise as a therapeutic option.

Considerations for Further Research

Acetazolamide shows promise as a treatment for paroxysmal dystonia in MS, but more research is needed. Larger studies could confirm these initial findings and determine the long-term effectiveness and safety of acetazolamide in this context. For now, this case offers a hopeful glimpse into managing a challenging aspect of MS.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/ndt.s43688, Alternate LINK

Title: Effect Of Acetazolamide For Long-Lasting Paroxysmal Dystonia In A Patient With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report And Review Of Literature

Subject: Biological Psychiatry

Journal: Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Yu-Ching Lin, Hsieh, Chen, Guo, Ta-Shen Kuan, Yen, Chang

Published: 2013-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is dystonia and why is it a problem for people with multiple sclerosis?

Dystonia, in the context of multiple sclerosis, is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that can significantly impair a person's quality of life and functional abilities. It's important because while treatments exist for other MS-related symptoms like spasticity, managing dystonia often requires a different approach. The implications of dystonia can range from mild discomfort to severe disability, affecting movement, posture, and overall well-being.

What is acetazolamide, and how might it help with dystonia in MS?

Acetazolamide is a medication primarily used to treat conditions like glaucoma and epilepsy. Its potential role in managing paroxysmal dystonia associated with multiple sclerosis lies in its ability to possibly alleviate dystonic symptoms, particularly when other treatments have proven ineffective. The implications of using acetazolamide could be significant for patients who haven't found relief through conventional methods, offering a new avenue for managing this challenging symptom.

What is paroxysmal dystonia, and how does it relate to multiple sclerosis?

Paroxysmal dystonia is a specific type of dystonia characterized by sudden, often brief, episodes of involuntary muscle contractions. It's significant in the context of multiple sclerosis because it can be particularly disruptive and difficult to manage. The implications of paroxysmal dystonia include unpredictable episodes of movement and posture abnormalities, which can impact daily activities and overall quality of life.

Can you describe the case study mentioned, and what did it show about using acetazolamide?

The case study involved a 40-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting MS who developed long-lasting paroxysmal dystonia in her left hand. Despite treatments like high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, interferon, baclofen, and occupational therapy, her condition persisted. Upon administering oral acetazolamide, a notable improvement was observed, with the dystonic movement subsiding without recurrence during a 17-month follow-up. This suggests that acetazolamide may offer a swift and effective solution for similar cases, but further research is needed.

Is there more research needed on acetazolamide for treating dystonia, and if so, why?

Further research is needed to confirm initial findings and determine the long-term effectiveness and safety of acetazolamide in treating paroxysmal dystonia associated with multiple sclerosis. Larger studies could provide more definitive evidence and help establish guidelines for its use in this context. Additionally, research could explore the optimal dosage, duration of treatment, and potential side effects of acetazolamide in MS patients with dystonia. This is important as it can validate the use of Acetazolamide.