Title : The use of gabapentin in the management of dysautonomia in neurologic disorders: A systematic review
Abstract:
Background: Dysautonomia can be seen in some neurologic conditions and is known to increase morbidity if not treated accordingly. It has been poorly addressed in neurological conditions and its debilitating effects may even lead to mortality. Addressing it may lead to improvement in functional outcomes. There are some studies that show the potential of gabapentin in addressing dysautonomia in neurologic conditions, but it has not been well established.
Objectives: The general objective of this study is to collate available literatures that involve the use of gabapentin in managing the symptoms of dysautonomia in different neurological disorders. Specifically, this study aims to determine the efficacy of its use in controlling the features of dysautonomia and improving neurologic outcome.
Methodology: In this systematic review, search of literature was done in PubMed and Cochrane database. Articles were screened and six articles were reviewed.
Results: There are limited studies available that shows the use of gabapentin in dysautonomia in some neurologic conditions. In these studies, gabapentin was usually used in cases of traumatic brain injury, with some articles mentioning its use in spinal cord injury, Guillain Barre Syndrome and Rett Syndrome.
Conclusion: Gabapentin has potential benefit in the resolution of dysautonomia in some neurologic conditions. It was also shown to have a neuroprotective effect in spinal cord injury. However, there were limited data pointing to its use and efficacy. This shows that further studies on the use of gabapentin to address dysautonomia can broaden our knowledge on its use, as well as assess its impact in the management of dysautonomia. Since there are limited studies addressing dysautonomia management, this study will provide the audience an opportunity to consider the use of gabapentin in addressing the debilitating effects of dysautonomia. It would also show the need for further research in this field as there are limited studies available in the management of dysautonomia. This will help neurologists in managing dysautonomia in some neurologic disorders.
