Paroxysmal ataxia and dysarthria

Three cases with transient episodes of ataxia and dysarthria are described. The episodes lasted for 10-20 seconds with frequency from 20-200/day. The primary diagnosis was multiple sclerosis in two cases and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in one case. An electroencephalogram [EEG] recorded during the episodes in these patients was normal. All patients responded to low doses of carbamazepine with complete amelioration of episodes. Recovery from relapse was associated with spontaneous cessation of these paroxysmal symptoms