Dual treatment of hemichorea-hemiballismus syndrome with tetrabenazine and chemodenervation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hemichorea-hemiballismus involves unilateral involuntary flailing movements and random jerking movements involving proximal or distal muscles. We describe a case of hemichorea-hemiballismus with dystonia after stroke. Treatment with tetrabenazine and chemodenervation produced beneficial responses. Effective treatment of both hemichorea-hemiballismus and dystonia due to stroke has not been reported.

CASE REPORT:

A 65-year-old male developed left hemichorea-hemiballismus and dystonia after a right hemisphere stroke. He underwent initial treatment with neuroleptics and anticonvulsants without improvement. Subsequent treatment with tetrabenazine improved the hemichorea-hemiballismus and chemodenervation reduced the dystonia.

DISCUSSION:

Hemichorea-hemiballismus associated with dystonia can be improved with both tetrabenazine and chemodenervation.

• Authors: Chizoba C Umeh, Paige Nichols, Liana S Rosenthal, Zoltan Mari
• Journal: Tremor and other hyperkinetic movements (New York, N.Y.) (Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y)) Vol. 2 ( 2012) ISSN: 2160-8288 [Print] England
• PMID: 23440597 (Publication Type: Journal Article)