Yes/yes head tremor without appendicular tremor after bilateral cerebellar infarction.

Abstract

We report a 67-year-old man who developed yes/yes head tremor without appendicular tremor six weeks after right occipital and bilateral cerebellar infarction. The tremor was resting-postural. Its activity increased with excitement, decreased either after ethanol, lateroflexion or rest and stopped at sleep. Four-vessel angiography revealed a well collateralised occlusion of both vertebral arteries. Needle-EMG recordings showed rhythmic, synchronous agonist/antagonist activity in both the splenius capitis and sternocleidomastoideus muscles at a frequency of 2-3 Hz. After administration of botulinum toxin A (DysportR), the tremor markedly improved and vanished completely after a booster. Since then the tremor did not reappear. Delayed-onset, yes/yes head tremor without appendicular tremor may be caused by bilateral cerebellar infarction and can be successfully relieved with botulinum toxin A.

• Authors: J Finsterer, W Muellbacher, B Mamoli
• Journal: Journal of the neurological sciences (J Neurol Sci) Vol. 139 Issue 2 Pg. 242-5 (Aug 1996) ISSN: 0022-510X [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 8856660 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Botulinum Toxins

Topics

• Botulinum Toxins (therapeutic use)
• Cerebellar Diseases (drug therapy, etiology, physiopathology)
• Cerebellum (blood supply)
• Cerebral Infarction (complications)
• Head (physiopathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Olivary Nucleus (physiopathology)
• Red Nucleus (physiopathology)
• Tremor (drug therapy, etiology, physiopathology)