[Beneficial effects of acetazolamide on paroxysmal attacks of girdle sensation in multiple sclerosis].

A 56-year-old woman with a 40-year history of multiple sclerosis (MS) developed paroxysmal attacks of girdle sensation in the Th5-6 dermatomes. The attacks lasted 20-60 minutes and occured up to three times per week. T2-weighted MR imaging of the spinal cord showed high intensity area from Th5 to Th8. Electrocardiography, echocardiography and laboratory findings did not indicate ischemic heart disease; therefore, the paroxysms were attributed to the spinal cord lesions. Attacks were successfully suppressed by acetazolamide 250 mg/day. Although carbamazepine is frequently used to treat paroxysmal attacks in MS, we would like to suggest that acetazolamide may also be beneficial in some patients with paroxysmal symptoms.