Pregabalin is effective in treating prolonged hiccups both with and without brainstem lesion: A report of 2 cases

Hiccups are sudden onset involuntary contractions of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. They cause self-limited episodes commonly lasting <� 48 h and subsiding spontaneously. Prolonged episodes are defined as ‘persistent hiccups’ if continuing for  > 48 h and ‘intractable hiccups’ if lasting for >1 month [1]. Hiccups are thought to be produced by the activation of a reflex arc with an afferent pathway, a central component and an efferent pathway. Structural lesions or irritants of these reflex components may result in prolonged hiccups [1].

from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2Wus3KQ