Complex Dystonia of Parkinsonʼs Disease

Abstract

We studied the clinical characteristics and plasma levodopa (LD) profile of complex, LD-associated dystonia in 33 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Generalized, abdominal, respiratory, and myoclonic, but not facial or foot, dystonia could be related to specific phases of the plasma LD cycle. Simultaneous clinical observation and determinations of plasma LD concentrations were often necessary to find the most efficacious dosing schedule for these patients. Maintenance of steady plasma LD concentrations within a dystonia-free window of benefit was the best treatment.