Levodopa-responsive benign tremulous parkinsonism

Case Rep Neurol. 2013 Aug 28;5(2):139-42. doi: 10.1159/000354980. eCollection 2013.

Abstract

Background: Benign tremulous parkinsonism (BTP) is a tremor dominant syndrome characterized by mild, levodopa-resistant parkinsonism with limited disability or progression.

Case presentation: A 56-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of tremor. Neurological examination revealed right-hand rest tremor and slow finger tapping with decreased amplitude; however, we did not observe posture tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, or posture disability. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) and received levodopa/carbidopa, effectively treating her rest tremor. At the age of 61 years, reoccurrence of the rest tremor was successfully treated again with levodopa/carbidopa and selegiline. Approximately 11 years have passed since symptom onset and the patient shows no further disease progression.

Conclusion: This case broadens the characterization of BTP to include levodopa-responsive PD.

Keywords: Benign tremulous parkinsonism; Essential tremor; Levodopa; Parkinson's disease; Rest tremor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports