Novel use of zolpidem in cerebellar mutism syndrome. uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) is a complication of posterior fossa surgery seen primarily in pediatric patients after resection of medulloblastoma. CMS is characterized by mutism, ataxia, hypotonia, and irritability. Currently, there is no therapy of proven efficacy. Zolpidem, although primarily used as a sedative, has been shown to alleviate mutism and promote arousal in similar neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Here, we describe a child with severe CMS in whom zolpidem seemed to increase arousal, accelerate the resolution of mutism, and decrease emotional lability. Our report suggests that clinicians should consider using zolpidem for patients with CMS.

publication date

  • March 1, 2011

Research

keywords

  • GABA-A Receptor Agonists
  • Mutism
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Pyridines

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 79952194981

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3182053a1a

PubMed ID

  • 21285896

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 33

issue

  • 2