Original Article

Long‐term Levodopa Therapy for Torsion Dystonia

Authors: CHARLES N. STILL MD, KLAUS-PETER HERBERG MD

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Observation of a 34-year-old woman receiving levodopa for familial torsion dystonia over a four-year period revealed that severe side effects (gastrointestinal problems, dyskinesias, cramps, anxiety) occurred with maximal dosage schedules during the first ten months of treatment. Thereafter, a gradual reduction of the daily dose to 1,500 mg of levodopa gave excellent relief of hypokinesia and rigidity with minimal adverse effects, including abolition of mild akinesia paradoxica which developed after 21/2 years of treatment.

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References