Dramatic levodopa responsiveness of dystonia in a sporadic case of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3.

Abstract

A genetically confirmed case of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA 3), presenting with disabling foot dystonia, peripheral neuropathy, and minimal cerebellar signs is reported. The dystonia improved dramatically with levodopa treatment in the absence of additional parkinsonian feature. A trial of levodopa for dystonia in SCA 3 may be of therapeutic benefit, at least in the initial stage of the disease.

• Authors: R Nandagopal, S G K Moorthy
• Journal: Postgraduate medical journal (Postgrad Med J) Vol. 80 Issue 944 Pg. 363-5 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 0032-5473 [Print] England
• PMID: 15192175 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiparkinson Agents
• Levodopa

Topics

• Adult
• Antiparkinson Agents (therapeutic use)
• Dystonic Disorders (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Levodopa (therapeutic use)
• Machado-Joseph Disease (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male