Successful treatment of childhood onset symptomatic dystonia with levodopa. Issue 8 (August 1993)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fletcher, N A; Thompson, P D; Scadding, J W; Marsden, C D
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 56:Issue 8(1993)
• Page Start: 865
• Page End: 867
• Publication Date: 1993-08
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.56.8.865
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Three patients with childhood onset symptomatic dystonia responded to levodopa. None fulfilled criteria for a diagnosis of "dopa responsive dystonia" (Segawa's disease). One may have had athetoid cerebral palsy for almost 25 years. All obtained dramatic and sustained benefit from levodopa therapy. A therapeutic trial of levodopa is advised in all patients in whom dystonia has developed in childhood or early adult life, regardless of suspected aetiology or duration of symptoms.