Quantification of dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease: validation of a novel instrumental method.

We used a rotation-sensitive movement monitor (RoMM) to quantify and characterize dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease (PD). Both upper limbs of 22 patients with dyskinetic PD were recorded and videotaped simultaneously. Three neurologists reviewed the video segments and rated severity of dyskinesia on a four-point scale; they also assessed any asymmetry of dyskinesia between the right and left side as well as the dyskinesia type (choreic, dystonic, or mixed).

A pilot evaluation of the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of tolcapone alone and in combination with oral selegiline in untreated Parkinson's disease patients. Tolcapone De Novo Study Group.

Tolcapone is a potent, reversible catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor with both peripheral and central activity. It has been demonstrated to improve motor function and allow levodopa dose reductions in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients who are experiencing either a stable response or motor fluctuations while on levodopa/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor therapy. Because striatal dopamine is metabolized by COMT and monoamine oxidase (MAO), central COMT inhibition alone or in combination with MAO inhibition might provide symptomatic benefit for patients not receiving levodopa.

Pharmacological options for the management of dyskinesias.

Dyskinesias are abnormal involuntary movements characterised by an excessive amount of movement. Typically, these movements are choreiform in nature. They may be caused by systemic, metabolic, endocrinologic, structural, vascular, infectious or inherited degenerative conditions, or be toxin- or drug-induced.

Utility of an objective dyskinesia rating scale for Parkinson's disease: inter- and intrarater reliability assessment.

Although dyskinesia is a frequent and important problem in Parkinson's disease (PD), a reliable assessment measure has not been thoroughly developed and tested. We modified the Obeso dyskinesia scale to create an objective rating scale for dyskinesia assessment during activities of daily living. Thirteen physicians and 15 study coordinators involved in a clinical trial independently reviewed videotape segments of PD patients performing three tasks: walking, putting on a coat, and lifting a cup to the lips for drinking.

Segregation analysis of idiopathic torsion dystonia in Ashkenazi Jews suggests autosomal dominant inheritance.

The results of segregation analysis applied to a family study of idiopathic torsion dystonia in Ashkenazi Jews are reported. The study is based on 43 probands (with age at onset prior to 27 years) from 42 nuclear families; pedigrees were extended systematically through all available first- and second-degree relatives, who were directly examined and videotaped. Final diagnoses were based on exam information and blinded videotape review.