Episodic Ataxia vs Somatization Disorder

From: Canadian Journal of Psychiatry | Date: November 1, 2004| Author: | Copyright information

Dear Editor: The presentation of unexplained ataxia requires a broad differential including somatoform disorders. We report a case of episodic ataxia type 2 (EA-2) that was misconstrued as a possible somatoform disorder.

EA-2 is a rare disorder that results from a multitude of mutations in the CACNA1A gene. CACNA1A codes for calcium channel proteins and is heavily expressed in the cerebellum. Patients with EA-2 generally present before age 20 years with ataxic episodes associated with vertigo, weakness, and interictal nystagmus. Such episodes may last hours to days (1). A positive family ...

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