"On" state freezing of gait in Parkinson disease: a paradoxical levodopa-induced complication.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To describe the phenotype of levodopa-induced "on" freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson disease (PD).

Methods

We present a diagnostic approach to separate "on" FOG (deterioration during the "on state") from other FOG forms. Four patients with PD with suspected "on" FOG were examined in the "off state" (>12 hours after last medication intake), "on state" (peak effect of usual medication), and "supra-on" state (after intake of at least twice the usual dose).

Results

Patients showed clear "on" FOG, which worsened in a dose-dependent fashion from the "on" to the "supra-on" state. Two patients also demonstrated FOG during the "off state," of lesser magnitude than during "on." In addition, levodopa produced motor blocks in hand and feet movements, while other parki

SUBMITTER: Espay AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3466608 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature