Plantar Grasp sign as a screening tool for Orthostatic Tremor (OT).

Introduction: Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a sensation of instability while standing. Very few clinical signs have been described for OT to date. Finding other symptoms and signs could prove valuable for this hard-to-recognized disease.

North American survey on impact of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown on DBS care.

Background: The initial COVID-19 pandemic shutdown led to the canceling of elective surgeries throughout most of the USA and Canada.

Objective: This survey was carried out on behalf of the Parkinson Study Group (PSG) to understand the impact of the shutdown on deep brain stimulation (DBS) practices in North America.

Methods: A survey was distributed through RedCap® to the members of the PSG Functional Neurosurgical Working Group.

Electroencephalography in Orthostatic Tremor: A Prospective Study of 30 Patients.

Background: Orthostatic tremor (OT) is characterized by a sensation of instability while standing, associated with high frequency (1318 Hz) tremor in the legs. Small retrospective series have reported electroencephalography (EEG) findings in OT with discordant results.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 30 OT subjects.

Ataxia Prevalence in Primary Orthostatic Tremor.

Background: The exact pathophysiology of primary Orthostatic Tremor (OT) is unknown. A central oscillator is assumed, and previous imaging studies show involvement of cerebellar pathways. However, the presence of ataxia on clinical exam is disputed.

Smartphone Apps Provide a Simple, Accurate Bedside Screening Tool for Orthostatic Tremor.

Background: Orthostatic Tremor (OT) is characterized by the presence of a sensation of instability while standing, associated with high frequency (13-18 Hz) lower extremity tremor. Diagnosis is confirmed with surface electromyography (EMG). An accurate screening tool that could be used in the routine clinical setting, without any specialized equipment, would be useful in earlier detection of OT and judicial use of additional testing.

Comprehensive, blinded assessment of balance in orthostatic tremor.

Introduction: Orthostatic Tremor (OT) is a movement disorder characterized by a sensation of unsteadiness and tremors in the 13-18 Hz range present upon standing. The pathophysiology of OT is not well understood but there is a relationship between the sensation of instability and leg tremors. Despite the sensation of unsteadiness, OT patients do not fall often and balance in OT has not been formally assessed.

CD4+ regulatory and effector/memory T cell subsets profile motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.

Animal models and clinical studies have linked the innate and adaptive immune system to the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite such progress, the specific immune responses that influence disease progression have eluded investigators. Herein, we assessed relationships between T cell phenotype and function with PD progression.

The increasing role of monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors in Parkinson's disease therapy.

Background: The role of monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors in the treatment of Parkinson's disease has expanded with the new monoamine oxidase B inhibitor rasagiline and a new formulation, selegiline oral disintegrating tablets. As primary therapy in early disease monoamine oxidase B inhibitors reduce motor disability and delay the need for levodopa. In more advanced disease requiring levodopa, adjunctive monoamine oxidase B inhibitors reduce 'off' time and may improve gait and freezing.

Evaluation of Parkinson's disease in entrants on the Nebraska State Parkinson's Disease Registry.

We examined a sample of individuals in the Nebraska State Parkinson's Disease Registry (NSPDR) to determine what proportion meets standard criteria for Parkinson's disease (PD). The NSPDR was established in 1996 in an effort to understand the high prevalence of PD in Nebraska. Only minimal demographic data are included for each entrant.

Zydis selegiline reduces off time in Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations: a 3-month, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Zydis selegiline dissolves on contact with saliva and undergoes pregastric absorption. This minimizes first-pass metabolism and provides high plasma concentrations of selegiline. In this study, the efficacy and safety of Zydis selegiline was assessed in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients who were experiencing motor fluctuations with levodopa.

Parkinson's prevalence estimated by a state registry.

A solid understanding of the descriptive epidemiology of a disease is essential in etiologic investigations; this includes prevalence and incidence, as well as groups within the larger community who may have noticeably lower or higher rates. We ascertained the usefulness of a non-traditional registry in describing Parkinson's disease (PD) patterns in a community. A passive surveillance PD registry in Nebraska began data collection on 1 January 1997.

Gabapentin for the treatment of tremor.

Objective: To review the use of the antiepileptic drug gabapentin for the treatment of various types of tremor.

Data Sources: A search of biomedical literature was completed through MEDLINE and EMBASE (1993-May 2002) to identify all clinical trials pertaining to the use of gabapentin for the treatment of tremor in humans.

Data Synthesis: Outcome data from the few published studies have varied widely.

Long-term Medical Treatment for Parkinson's Disease.

The authors of this paper view Parkinson's disease (PD) as a clinically defined progressive syndrome of resting limb tremor, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, and a shuffling unsteady gait that responds well to dopaminergic medications. Parkinson's disease is a not a single entity, but rather a syndrome with diverse causes, with both genetic and environmental risk factors. The clinician's concern is to rule out other entities, especially those having another specific treatment, and to give PD patients the best short- and long-term benefit, with the least possible unwanted side effects.