Exacerbation of postural tremor with emergence of Parkinsonism following neuroleptic administration
Date
1995
Authors
Playford, E.
Britton, T.
Thompson, P.
Brooks, D.
Findley, L.
Marsden, C.
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Advisors
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Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 1995; 58(4):487-489
Statement of Responsibility
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Abstract
Neuroleptic medication in three patients with prior isolated postural arm tremor led to a conspicuous deterioration; the postural tremor increased in amplitude, tremor appeared at rest, and other signs of mild parkinsonism developed. Withdrawal of neuroleptic drugs led to improvement in tremor and disappearance of parkinsonism. Positron emission tomography showed no reduction in uptake of [18F]dopa into nigrostriatal terminals suggesting that these patients did not have Parkinson's disease. Neuroleptic drugs can convert postural essential arm tremor into that characteristic of Parkinson's disease in patients with no evident nigrostriatal lesion.