Paroxysmal tonic spasms [PTS] are common in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).1 2 In patients with demyelinating disease, PTS can significantly reduce the quality of life, limit activities of daily living and the rehabilitative process following an acute relapse 3. As in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), paroxysmal tonic spasms in NMOSD usually respond well to treatment with carbamazepine.2 However, the optimal treatment in patients where carbamazepine is contraindicated or poorly tolerated is unclear. We describe a patient with NMOSD with severe paroxysmal tonic spasms who did not tolerate carbamazepine but was successfully treated with lacosamide (Vimpat).
Keywords: NMOSD; Paroxysomal tonic spasms; Pharmacotherapy.
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