OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) in the treatment of patients with idiopathic truncal dystonia. DESIGN: Before-and-after trial. SETTING: University referral center. PATIENTS: Five consecutive patients with idiopathic truncal dystonia who were poorly treated with conventional pharmacotherapies. No patients were withdrawn from the trial for adverse side effects. INTERVENTIONS: Treatments with diphenhydramine hydrochloride (50 mg intravenously or up to 500 mg/kg orally). Follow-up for up to 20 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Dystonia evaluation. RESULTS: Diphenhydramine therapy was associated with minimal side effects, and it was most effective in treating patients with dystonia who experienced lightning jerks. Treatment with intravenous diphenhydramine may have a predictive value on a future response to oral therapy. CONCLUSION: Diphenhydramine should be considered a therapeutic option for idiopathic truncal dystonia with lightning jerks.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) in the treatment of patients with idiopathic truncal dystonia. DESIGN: Before-and-after trial. SETTING: University referral center. PATIENTS: Five consecutive patients with idiopathic truncal dystonia who were poorly treated with conventional pharmacotherapies. No patients were withdrawn from the trial for adverse side effects. INTERVENTIONS: Treatments with diphenhydramine hydrochloride (50 mg intravenously or up to 500 mg/kg orally). Follow-up for up to 20 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Dystonia evaluation. RESULTS:Diphenhydramine therapy was associated with minimal side effects, and it was most effective in treating patients with dystonia who experienced lightning jerks. Treatment with intravenous diphenhydramine may have a predictive value on a future response to oral therapy. CONCLUSION:Diphenhydramine should be considered a therapeutic option for idiopathic truncal dystonia with lightning jerks.