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Murakami M, Horisawa S, Kim K, Takeda N, Goto S, Kohara K, Kawamata T, Taira T. Long-term follow-up of task-specific tremor after thalamotomy: a retrospective observational study. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:321-327. [PMID: 38018482 PMCID: PMC10863909 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to report the long-term results of thalamotomy in 23 patients with task-specific tremor. METHODS Data of 23 patients with task-specific tremor who underwent ventralis intermedius nucleus and posterior part of ventro-oral nucleus thalamotomy at the Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital between 2010 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. To evaluate neurological conditions, the severity of task-specific tremor was divided into 0 (no tremor), 1 (slightly tremulous), 2 (moderately tremulous), 3 (accomplishing tasks with great difficulty), and 4 (unable to complete tasks). We also used the subscores "handwriting" (0-4) and "spiral drawing" (0-4) of the Clinical Rating Scales for Tremor. Evaluation scales were presented as medians and interquartile ranges. RESULTS The severities of task-specific tremor were 3.0 (3.0-4.0) preoperatively and 0.0 (0.0-0.0, p < 0.0001) at the last available evaluation. The writing and spiral drawing of the Clinical Rating Scales for Tremor significantly improved from 3.0 (3.0-4.0) and 3.0 (2.0-3.0) preoperatively, respectively, to 0.0 (0.0-0.0, p < 0.0001) and 0.0 (0.0-0.0, p < 0.0001) at the last available evaluation, respectively. The mean clinical follow-up period was 62.7 ± 26.0 months. Seven (30.4%) patients had focal hand dystonia, which newly developed on the ipsilateral side of the tremor at 2-45 months after the surgery. No serious complications were observed. INTERPRETATION Thalamotomy significantly improves task-specific tremor with high long-term efficacy, and long-term follow-up is important because focal hand dystonia can develop postoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Murakami
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological InstituteTokyo Women's Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Shiro Horisawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological InstituteTokyo Women's Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Kilsoo Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological InstituteTokyo Women's Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Nobuhiko Takeda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological InstituteTokyo Women's Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Shinichi Goto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological InstituteTokyo Women's Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Kotaro Kohara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological InstituteTokyo Women's Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Takakazu Kawamata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological InstituteTokyo Women's Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Takaomi Taira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological InstituteTokyo Women's Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
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Ondo WG, Koneru V, Arif C. Task Specific Tremor in Parkinson's Disease Responds to Apomorphine. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2023; 13:20. [PMID: 37275945 PMCID: PMC10237238 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Task specific tremor (TST) is a poorly understood entity without any standard treatments, that may subsequently develop tremor during additional tasks, later develop postural/kinetic tremor (essential tremor criteria), and later develop Parkinson's disease. The pathophysiology is not understood as it has features of tremor, dystonia, and parkinsonism. Objectives To assess response of TST to apomorphine and thus infer pathophysiology. Methods We administered sublingual apomorphine to 8 patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease based on clinical criteria and dopamine imaging, who all initially presented with TST and later presented other parkinsonian signs and dopamine imaging deficits. Results Apomorphine improved TST, which was refractory to oral levodopa and other tremor therapies, in 6/8 subjects. Discussion These results offer a treatment option for TST, which is usually refractory to other pharmacologic treatments, in patients with other parkinsonian features, and infers a dopaminergic pathophysiology of TST.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G. Ondo
- Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, Weill Cornel Medical School, US
| | - Vindhya Koneru
- Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist West Hospital, Houston, US
| | - Chia Arif
- St. Mary Medical Center-Langhorne, PA, US
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Riboldi GM, Frucht SJ. Is essential tremor a family of diseases or a syndrome? A family of diseases. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 163:7-29. [PMID: 35750371 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
It is now well-established that essential tremor (ET) can manifest with different clinical presentations and progressions (i.e., upper limb tremor, head tremor, voice tremor, lower limb tremor, task- or position-specific tremor, or a combination of those). Common traits and overlaps are identifiable across these different subtypes of ET, including a slow rate of progression, a response to alcohol and a positive family history. At the same time, each of these manifestations are associated with specific demographic, clinical and treatment-response characteristics suggesting a family of diseases rather than a spectrum of a syndrome. Here we summarize the most important clinical, demographic, neuropathological and imagingfeatures of ET and of its subtypes to support ET as a family of identifiable conditions. This classification has relevance for counseling of patients with regard to disease progression and treatment response, as well as for the design of therapeutic clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulietta M Riboldi
- The Marlene and Paolo Fresco Institute for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steven J Frucht
- The Marlene and Paolo Fresco Institute for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.
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Deuschl G, Becktepe JS, Dirkx M, Haubenberger D, Hassan A, Helmich R, Muthuraman M, Panyakaew P, Schwingenschuh P, Zeuner KE, Elble RJ. The clinical and electrophysiological investigation of tremor. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 136:93-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Bârlescu LA, Kassubek J. [Diagnostic procedures and therapy in tremor disorders: current clinical concepts]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2020; 88:794-814. [PMID: 33307562 DOI: 10.1055/a-1165-7378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tremor is the most common movement disorder, occurring as an isolated tremor syndrome, as a symptom of neurological diseases or diseases from other medical specialty fields, or after the intake of drugs / toxins. The heterogeneous variety of the clinical presentations, the etiologies, and the therapeutical options require the continuous development of the clinical concepts in tremor disorders. This review summarizes the current state of the art of the clinical recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in tremor.
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Bourdens M, Aupy J, Ribot B, Burbaud P, Guehl D. Dystonic writing tremor. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2019; 175:203-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Bhatia KP, Bain P, Bajaj N, Elble RJ, Hallett M, Louis ED, Raethjen J, Stamelou M, Testa CM, Deuschl G. Consensus Statement on the classification of tremors. from the task force on tremor of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. Mov Disord 2018; 33:75-87. [PMID: 29193359 PMCID: PMC6530552 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 798] [Impact Index Per Article: 133.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consensus criteria for classifying tremor disorders were published by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society in 1998. Subsequent advances with regard to essential tremor, tremor associated with dystonia, and other monosymptomatic and indeterminate tremors make a significant revision necessary. OBJECTIVES Convene an international panel of experienced investigators to review the definition and classification of tremor. METHODS Computerized MEDLINE searches in January 2013 and 2015 were conducted using a combination of text words and MeSH terms: "tremor", "tremor disorders", "essential tremor", "dystonic tremor", and "classification" limited to human studies. Agreement was obtained using consensus development methodology during four in-person meetings, two teleconferences, and numerous manuscript reviews. RESULTS Tremor is defined as an involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory movement of a body part and is classified along two axes: Axis 1-clinical characteristics, including historical features (age at onset, family history, and temporal evolution), tremor characteristics (body distribution, activation condition), associated signs (systemic, neurological), and laboratory tests (electrophysiology, imaging); and Axis 2-etiology (acquired, genetic, or idiopathic). Tremor syndromes, consisting of either isolated tremor or tremor combined with other clinical features, are defined within Axis 1. This classification scheme retains the currently accepted tremor syndromes, including essential tremor, and provides a framework for defining new syndromes. CONCLUSIONS This approach should be particularly useful in elucidating isolated tremor syndromes and syndromes consisting of tremor and other signs of uncertain significance. Consistently defined Axis 1 syndromes are needed to facilitate the elucidation of specific etiologies in Axis 2. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailash P. Bhatia
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bain
- Department of Neurosciences, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Nin Bajaj
- Division of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rodger J. Elble
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elan D. Louis
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA, and Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jan Raethjen
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel Campus, Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Maria Stamelou
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany; Department of Neurology, Attikon Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Guenther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel Campus, Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Pirio Richardson S, Altenmüller E, Alter K, Alterman RL, Chen R, Frucht S, Furuya S, Jankovic J, Jinnah HA, Kimberley TJ, Lungu C, Perlmutter JS, Prudente CN, Hallett M. Research Priorities in Limb and Task-Specific Dystonias. Front Neurol 2017; 8:170. [PMID: 28515706 PMCID: PMC5413505 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonia, which causes intermittent or sustained abnormal postures and movements, can present in a focal or a generalized manner. In the limbs, focal dystonia can occur in either the upper or lower limbs and may be task-specific causing abnormal motor performance for only a specific task, such as in writer’s cramp, runner’s dystonia, or musician’s dystonia. Focal limb dystonia can be non-task-specific and may, in some circumstances, be associated with parkinsonian disorders. The true prevalence of focal limb dystonia is not known and is likely currently underestimated, leaving a knowledge gap and an opportunity for future research. The pathophysiology of focal limb dystonia shares some commonalities with other dystonias with a loss of inhibition in the central nervous system and a loss of the normal regulation of plasticity, called homeostatic plasticity. Functional imaging studies revealed abnormalities in several anatomical networks that involve the cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Further studies should focus on distinguishing cause from effect in both physiology and imaging studies to permit focus on most relevant biological correlates of dystonia. There is no specific therapy for the treatment of limb dystonia given the variability in presentation, but off-label botulinum toxin therapy is often applied to focal limb and task-specific dystonia. Various rehabilitation techniques have been applied and rehabilitation interventions may improve outcomes, but small sample size and lack of direct comparisons between methods to evaluate comparative efficacy limit conclusions. Finally, non-invasive and invasive therapeutic modalities have been explored in small studies with design limitations that do not yet clearly provide direction for larger clinical trials that could support new clinical therapies. Given these gaps in our clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic knowledge, we have identified priorities for future research including: the development of diagnostic criteria for limb dystonia, more precise phenotypic characterization and innovative clinical trial design that considers clinical heterogeneity, and limited available number of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Pirio Richardson
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Eckart Altenmüller
- Institute for Music Physiology and Musicians' Medicine (IMMM), Hannover University of Music, Drama and Media, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharine Alter
- Functional and Applied Biomechanics Section, Rehabilitation Medicine, National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ron L Alterman
- Division of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Chen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine (Neurology), Krembil Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Steven Frucht
- Robert and John M. Bendheim Parkinson and Movement Disorders Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shinichi Furuya
- Musical Skill and Injury Center (MuSIC), Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - H A Jinnah
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Teresa J Kimberley
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Codrin Lungu
- Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joel S Perlmutter
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Neurosciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cecília N Prudente
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Espay AJ, Lang AE, Erro R, Merola A, Fasano A, Berardelli A, Bhatia KP. Essential pitfalls in "essential" tremor. Mov Disord 2017; 32:325-331. [PMID: 28116753 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although essential tremor has been considered the most common movement disorder, it has largely remained a diagnosis of exclusion: many tremor and nontremor features must be absent for the clinical diagnosis to stand. The clinical features of "essential tremor" overlap with or may be part of other tremor disorders and, not surprisingly, this prevalent familial disorder has remained without a gene identified, without a consistent natural history, and without an acceptable pathology or pathophysiologic underpinning. The collective evidence suggests that under the rubric of essential tremor there exists multiple unique diseases, some of which represent cerebellar dysfunction, but for which there is no intrinsic "essence" other than a common oscillatory behavior on posture and action. One approach may be to use the term essential tremor only as a transitional node in the deep phenotyping of tremor disorders based on historical, phenomenological, and neurophysiological features to facilitate its etiologic diagnosis or serve for future gene- and biomarker-discovery efforts. This approach deemphasizes essential tremor as a diagnostic entity and facilitates the understanding of the underlying disorders to develop biologically tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J Espay
- UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neurology, Gardner Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Center, Toronto Western Hospital and The Edmond J. Safra Program in PD, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roberto Erro
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aristide Merola
- UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neurology, Gardner Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Alfonso Fasano
- Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Center, Toronto Western Hospital and The Edmond J. Safra Program in PD, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Kailash P Bhatia
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Albanese A, Sorbo FD. Dystonia and Tremor: The Clinical Syndromes with Isolated Tremor. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 6:319. [PMID: 27152246 PMCID: PMC4850743 DOI: 10.7916/d8x34xbm] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dystonia and tremor share many commonalities. Isolated tremor is part of the phenomenological spectrum of isolated dystonia and of essential tremor. The occurrence of subtle features of dystonia may allow one to differentiate dystonic tremor from essential tremor. Diagnostic uncertainty is enhanced when no features of dystonia are found in patients with a tremor syndrome, raising the question whether the observed phenomenology is an incomplete form of dystonia. METHODS Known forms of syndromes with isolated tremor are reviewed. Diagnostic uncertainties between tremor and dystonia are put into perspective. RESULTS The following isolated tremor syndromes are reviewed: essential tremor, head tremor, voice tremor, jaw tremor, and upper-limb tremor. Their varied phenomenology is analyzed and appraised in the light of a possible relationship with dystonia. DISCUSSION Clinicians making a diagnosis of isolated tremor should remain vigilant for the detection of features of dystonia. This is in keeping with the recent view that isolated tremor may be an incomplete phenomenology of dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Albanese
- Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy; Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Lee A, Voget J, Furuya S, Morise M, Altenmüller E. Quantification of sound instability in embouchure tremor based on the time-varying fundamental frequency. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2016; 123:515-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1533-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Tremor is one of the clinical manifestations of dystonia; however, there are no specific therapeutic trials evaluating the efficacy of treatments for dystonic tremor (DT), tremor associated with dystonia or primary writing tremor (PWT). We systematically reviewed the literature available up to July 2013 on the treatment of these tremors and retrieved the data of 487 patients published in 43 papers detailing the effects of given interventions on tremor severity. Treatment outcome was highly variable, depending on the specific type of intervention and tremor distribution. No specifically designed studies were available for the treatment of tremor associated with dystonia. As for the other tremors, drug efficacy was generally disappointing and a moderate effect was only found with anticholinergics, tetrabenazine, clonazepam, β-blockers and primidone; levodopa was only efficacious on tremor due to dopa-responsive dystonia. The largest amount of data was available for botulinum toxin injections, which provided a marked improvement, particularly for the management of axial tremors (head or vocal cords). In refractory DTs, deep brain stimulation of several targets was attempted. Deep brain stimulation of globus pallidus internus, thalamus or subthalamic area led to a marked improvement of dystonic axial or appendicular tremors in most cases refractory to other treatments. Few other non-invasive treatments, for example, orthotic device in PWT, have been used with anecdotal success. In conclusion, considering the lack of good-quality studies, future randomised controlled trials are needed. In absence of evidence-based guidelines, we propose an algorithm for the treatment of DT based on currently available data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Fasano
- Division of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesco Bove
- Department of Neurology, Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Division of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Department of Neurology, The Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Roberts K, Mahon B, O'Rourke K, Lynch T. "Club-cutting" dystonic tremor: a case report. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2013; 3. [PMID: 24156085 PMCID: PMC3777437 DOI: 10.7916/d85x27n2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Focal task-specific dystonic postures are well recognized. Often a tremor may be the main feature with little or no dystonia. These have been well reported in writers, musicians, and sportspeople. Case Report Herein we report a novel task-specific dystonic tremor in a 44-year-old Irish hairdresser due to club-cutting, a standard haircutting technique. Discussion Hairdresser’s dystonia is a novel task-specific dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinley Roberts
- Department of Neurology, Dublin Neurological Institute at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, 57 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
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Elble RJ. Defining dystonic tremor. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 11:48-52. [PMID: 23814537 PMCID: PMC3580791 DOI: 10.2174/157015913804999478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A strong association between dystonia and tremor has been known for more than a century. Two forms of tremor in dystonia are currently recognized: 1) dystonic tremor, which is tremor produced by dystonic muscle contraction and 2) tremor associated with dystonia, which is tremor in a body part that is not dystonic, but there is dystonia elsewhere. Both forms of tremor in dystonia frequently resemble essential tremor or another pure tremor syndrome (e.g., isolated head and voice tremors and task-specific writing tremor), and relationships among these tremor disorders have long been debated. Misdiagnosis is common because mild dystonia is frequently overlooked in patients with tremor. It is now clear that essential tremor is a syndrome, not a specific disease, and the use of essential tremor as a specific clinical diagnosis is arguably an impediment to elucidating this and other pure tremor syndromes and their relationship to dystonia. A new classification, primary tremor, is proposed and would be used for any disorder in which tremor is the sole or principal abnormality with no identifiable etiology other than possible genetic inheritance. This classification scheme would facilitate tremor research by moving the focus from the narrow question "Is it essential tremor?" to a broader consideration of what genetic and environmental factors cause primary tremor disorders, and how do they relate to dystonia and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodger J Elble
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 751 North Rutledge, PO Box 19643, Springfield, IL 62794-9643, USA
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Jinnah HA, Berardelli A, Comella C, Defazio G, Delong MR, Factor S, Galpern WR, Hallett M, Ludlow CL, Perlmutter JS, Rosen AR. The focal dystonias: current views and challenges for future research. Mov Disord 2013; 28:926-43. [PMID: 23893450 PMCID: PMC3733486 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common forms of dystonia are those that develop in adults and affect a relatively isolated region of the body. Although these adult-onset focal dystonias are most prevalent, knowledge of their etiologies and pathogenesis has lagged behind some of the rarer generalized dystonias, in which the identification of genetic defects has facilitated both basic and clinical research. This summary provides a brief review of the clinical manifestations of the adult-onset focal dystonias, focusing attention on less well understood clinical manifestations that need further study. It also provides a simple conceptual model for the similarities and differences among the different adult-onset focal dystonias as a rationale for lumping them together as a class of disorders while at the same time splitting them into subtypes. The concluding section outlines some of the most important research questions for the future. Answers to these questions are critical for advancing our understanding of this group of disorders and for developing novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Jinnah
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
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Dhungana S, Jankovic J. Yips and other movement disorders in golfers. Mov Disord 2013; 28:576-81. [PMID: 23519739 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Golf is a sport that requires perfect motor coordination and a balance between mobility and stability. Golfer's "yips," an intermittent motor disturbance manifested as transient tremor, jerk, or spasm that primarily occurs when the player is trying to chip or make a putt, is a movement disorder frequently encountered in both amateur and professional golfers. In addition, other movement disorders, such as tremors and dystonia, also can interfere with playing golf. Although the pathophysiology of the yips remains poorly understood, recent studies suggest that it may be a form of a task-specific, focal dystonia involving the hand and arm. Because task-specific dystonias and tremors are best treated by botulinum toxin injections, this also may be an effective therapy for the yips. The aim of this article is to systematically review the literature and our own experience with the yips and other movement disorders in golfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samish Dhungana
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Pita Lobo P, Quattrocchi G, Jutras MF, Sangla S, Apartis E, Vidailhet M, Grabli D. Primary writing tremor and writer's cramp: two faces of a same coin? Mov Disord 2013; 28:1306-7. [PMID: 23401238 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Oh YS, Ma HI, Kim YJ, Kim JS. Task-specific tremor with use of scissors. Mov Disord 2012; 27:921-2. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.24984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Ju Chung
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
Tremor is one of the most frequent movement disorders and covers a wide spectrum of entities summarized in the 1998 consensus statement of the Movement Disorder Society. Essential tremor and Parkinson tremor are most common and are also the most thoroughly studied. Major progress has occurred in the clinical semiology, neuroimaging, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of tremors. Pathology and genetic research are rapidly growing fields of study. Recently described tremor entities include orthostatic tremor, dystonic tremor, cortical tremor, and thalamic tremor. Treatment research methodology has improved substantially, but few double-blind controlled trials have been published. Deep brain stimulation is the most effective treatment for most tremors but is reserved for advanced cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodger Elble
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
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Stamelou M, Edwards MJ, Hallett M, Bhatia KP. The non-motor syndrome of primary dystonia: clinical and pathophysiological implications. Brain 2011; 135:1668-81. [PMID: 21933808 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonia is typically considered a movement disorder characterized by motor manifestations, primarily involuntary muscle contractions causing twisting movements and abnormal postures. However, growing evidence indicates an important non-motor component to primary dystonia, including abnormalities in sensory and perceptual functions, as well as neuropsychiatric, cognitive and sleep domains. Here, we review this evidence and discuss its clinical and pathophysiological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stamelou
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
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Abstract
Task-specific tremor is a form of action tremor that occurs only or mainly when a person is performing a specific skilled task. The most frequently encountered form of task-specific tremor is primary writing tremor (PWT). Currently, there is debate about whether PWT is a variant of essential tremor, writer's cramp (dystonia), a separate entity, or in some cases related to essential tremor and in others to dystonia. PWT typically occurs at a frequency of 5-7Hz and has been subdivided into to two types: Type A, task-induced tremor, and type B, positionally sensitive tremor. Temporary suppression of the tremor by alcohol is seen in about one-third of cases. There are no randomized controlled therapeutic studies involving patients with PWT, although anecdotal reports of beneficial responses to propranolol, primidone, anticholinergics, botulinum toxin treatment, and stereotactic surgery have been reported. Reciprocal inhibition of the H-reflex and intracortical excitability are normal in PWT, unlike writer's cramp. Hyperactivity in the cerebellar hemispheres has been demonstrated with positron emission tomography in PWT. Other task-specific tremors have been described but have not been studied in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Bain
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital Campus, London, UK.
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Espay AJ, Chen R. Primary writing tremor and writer’s cramp: Distinct phenomenology, diverging pathophysiology. Clin Neurophysiol 2011; 122:5-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2010.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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26
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Hai C, Yu-ping W, Hua W, Ying S. Advances in primary writing tremor. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2010; 16:561-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2010.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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27
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Sahni H, Jayakumar PN, Pal PK. Functional magnetic resonance imaging in primary writing tremor and writer's cramp: A pilot study. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2010; 13:192-7. [PMID: 21085530 PMCID: PMC2981757 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.70884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2010] [Revised: 01/14/2010] [Accepted: 03/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The precise pathophysiology of primary writing tremor (PWT) and writer's cramp (WC) is not known. The aim of this study is to compare the cerebral activation patterns in patients of PWT, WC and healthy controls, during a task of signing on paper, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS Six subjects with PWT, three with WC and six healthy volunteers were examined using a 1.5-Tesla scanner. The paradigm consisted of three times repetition of a set of period of rest and activity. Each set consisted of 10 blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) echo-planar imaging (EPI) acquisitions at rest followed by 10 BOLD EPI acquisitions while signing their names on paper using the dominant right hand. Entire brain was covered. SPM99 analysis was done. RESULTS IN COMPARISON TO THE HEALTHY CONTROLS, THE FOLLOWING DIFFERENCES IN CEREBRAL ACTIVATION WERE NOTED IN THE PATIENTS: (a) primary and supplementary motor areas showed overactivation in patients of PWT and underactivation in patients of WC, (b) the cingulate motor area showed underactivation in patients of PWT and overactivation in patients of WC and (c) the cerebellar activity was reduced in both WC and PWT. CONCLUSION Our preliminary findings suggest that the cerebral and cerebellar activation patterns in PWT and WC during signing on paper are distinct from each other and from healthy controls. There may be cerebellar dysfunction in addition to motor dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirdesh Sahni
- Departments of Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Pramod Kumar Pal
- Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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28
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Deuschl G, Elble R. Essential tremor - Neurodegenerative or nondegenerative disease towards a working definition of ET. Mov Disord 2009; 24:2033-41. [PMID: 19750493 DOI: 10.1002/mds.22755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Günther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany.
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29
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30
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Jedynak CP, Youssov K, Apartis E, Welter ML, Willer JC, Agid Y. [Dystonia, tremor and repetitive instrumental use]. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2008; 164:53-60. [PMID: 18342058 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2007.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2006] [Revised: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 07/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Three characteristic observations are presented along with three tables presenting 24 patients with the following elements in common: excessively repeated use of an instrument such as a pen, a musical instrument or a tool. The appearance after that use of a central pathological phenomenon that includes a local dystonia of a hand or the mouth, a tremor, or the association of a tremor and a dystonia, all within the muscular domain corresponding to that of the use. The discussion, which is based exclusively on the clinical findings, deals with the following elements: the role of the use of the instrument rather than task itself, the predominant pathogenic factor which is the repetitive action, to which is added a genetic component in one incompletely penetrant case of DYT 1, and a probable genetic susceptibility in the others. The absence of improvement with rest distinguishes this central pathology from rheumatologic or orthopaedic problems involving repetitive activities. The evolution is slowly declining when the responsible action is continued. This occurs in three stages: a specific disorder involving only the use of the particular instrument, a more enlarged involvement affecting other activities and eventually a dystonia associated with a tremor or a postural tremor always located to the initial area. The therapeutic interventions suggested by the pathologic role of the repetitive movement is: (1) to advise a new training for the instrument that excludes the habitual movement; (2) to advise the patient to vary any newly acquired repetitive movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Jedynak
- Fédération de neurologie, hôpital de la Salpêtrière, 47, boulevard de l'hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
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31
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Silverdale MA, Schneider SA, Bhatia KP, Lang AE. The spectrum of orolingual tremor-A proposed classification system. Mov Disord 2007; 23:159-67. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.21776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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32
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Ragothaman M, Swaminath PV, Pal PK, Muthane UB. Embouchure dystonia and tremor in a professional windpipe “Nadaswaram” player. Mov Disord 2007; 22:2133-5. [PMID: 17712852 DOI: 10.1002/mds.21709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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33
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Abstract
We report on a woman with a focal position-sensitive jaw tremor present with the jaw held slightly open or while drinking from a cup. Electromyography demonstrated a rhythmic 5 Hz alternating tremor involving masseter and digastric muscles with normal reciprocal inhibition. The tremor was markedly reduced with botulinum toxin injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tarsy
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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34
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Louis ED, Applegate LM, Borden S, Moskowitz C, Jin Z. Feasibility and validity of a modified finger-nose-finger test. Mov Disord 2005; 20:636-9. [PMID: 15719419 DOI: 10.1002/mds.20409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In essential tremor (ET) research, it is important to obtain standardized, objective data on tremor severity. Often, it is not possible to carry out in-person or videotaped neurological examinations. In place of these, handwriting samples can be collected, but they do not capture all of the variance in tremor severity. Although additional tests of tremor severity (finger-nose-finger [FNF] test) might be of use, these would need to be modified to allow ET patients to mail their results to the study investigator for rating. We modified the standard FNF test (sFNF) by asking subjects to hold a pen during this activity and mark a paper target. The purpose of this report was to determine whether the modified FNF (mFNF) test was feasible and valid. Of 70 subjects, 65 (92.9%) were able to complete the mFNF, demonstrating that it was feasible. The scores of the mFNF correlated highly with those of the sFNF (r = 0.56-0.85; all P < 0.001), indicating the mFNF is a valid measure of tremor severity. In addition, using the regression equation, sFNF = 0.174(mFNF) + 0.743, a sFNF score can be derived easily from the mFNF score. The mFNF may be used to collect valuable data on tremor severity in pathological, genetic, and epidemiological field studies of ET, in which in-person or videotaped neurological examinations are not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elan D Louis
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
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35
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Abstract
Essential tremor is a common movement disorder that affects between 5 and 10 million persons in the United States. It is characterized primarily by an action and postural tremor most often affecting the arms, but it can also affect other body parts. Essential tremor is a progressive neurologic disorder and can cause substantial disability in some patients. Although there is no cure for essential tremor, pharmacologic and surgical treatments can provide some benefit. Primidone and propranolol are first-line treatments. Other medications with potential efficacy include benzodiazepines, gabapentin, topiramate, and botulinum toxin. Patients with medication-resistant tremor may benefit from thalamotomy or deep brain stimulation of the thalamus. The use of medical and surgical therapies can provide benefit in up to 80% of patients with essential tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Pahwa
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160-7314, USA.
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36
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodger J Elble
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9643, USA.
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37
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Jankovic
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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38
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Abstract
Patients with nonparkinsonian tremors are the second largest group treated with functional neurosurgery. We summarize the present pathophysiological knowledge of these conditions. Essential tremor (ET) may be due to oscillations within the olivocerebellar circuit. There is experimental evidence from animal models for such a mechanism, and clinical data indicate an abnormal function of the cerebellum in ET. Cerebellar tremor may be closely related to the tremor seen in advanced ET. The malfunction of the cerebellum causes a pathological feed-forward control. Additionally an oscillator within the cerebellum or its input/output pathways may cause cerebellar tremor. Almost nothing is known about the pathophysiology of dystonic tremor. Holmes tremor is based on a nigral and a cerebellar malfunction and presents clinically as the combination of tremor in Parkinson's disease and cerebellar tremor. Neuropathic tremor can be extremely disabling and is thought to be due to an abnormal interaction of the disturbances within the periphery and abnormal cerebellar feedback. Unlike the case of Parkinson's disease, functional neurosurgery of nonparkinsonian tremors is not yet based on a solid pathophysiological background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Kiel, Germany.
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39
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Frucht SJ, Fahn S, Greene PE, O'Brien C, Gelb M, Truong DD, Welsh J, Factor S, Ford B. The natural history of embouchure dystonia. Mov Disord 2001; 16:899-906. [PMID: 11746620 DOI: 10.1002/mds.1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal task-specific dystonias are unusual disorders of motor control, often affecting individuals who perform complex repetitive movements. Musicians are especially prone to develop these disorders because of their training regimens and intense practice schedules. Task-specific dystonia occurring in keyboard or string instrumentalists usually affects the hand. In contrast, there have been few descriptions of musicians with task-specific dystonia affecting the muscles of the face and jaw. We report detailed clinical observations of 26 professional brass and woodwind players afflicted with focal task-specific dystonia of the embouchure (the pattern of lip, jaw, and tongue muscles used to control the flow of air into a mouthpiece). This is the largest and most comprehensively studied series of such patients. Patients developed embouchure dystonia in the fourth decade, and initial symptoms were usually limited to one range of notes or style of playing. Once present, dystonia progressed without remission and responded poorly to oral medications and botulinum toxin injection. Patients with embouchure dystonia could be separated by the pattern of their abnormal movements into several groups, including embouchure tremor, involuntary lip movements, and jaw closure. Dystonia not infrequently spread to other oral tasks, often producing significant disability. Effective treatments are needed for this challenging and unusual disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Frucht
- Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, The Neurological Institute, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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40
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Abstract
Tremor is defined as rhythmic oscillatory activity of body parts. Four physiological basic mechanisms for such oscillatory activity have been described: mechanical oscillations; oscillations based on reflexes; oscillations due to central neuronal pacemakers; and oscillations because of disturbed feedforward or feedback loops. New methodological approaches with animal models, positron emission tomography, and mathematical analysis of electromyographic and electroencephalographic signals have provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying specific forms of tremor. Physiological tremor is due to mechanical and central components. Psychogenic tremor is considered to depend on a clonus mechanism and is thus believed to be mediated by reflex mechanisms. Symptomatic palatal tremor is most likely due to rhythmic activity of the inferior olive, and there is much evidence that essential tremor is also generated within the olivocerebellar circuits. Orthostatic tremor is likely to originate in hitherto unidentified brainstem nuclei. Rest tremor of Parkinson's disease is probably generated in the basal ganglia loop, and dystonic tremor may also originate within the basal ganglia. Cerebellar tremor is at least in part caused by a disturbance of the cerebellar feedforward control of voluntary movements, and Holmes' tremor is due to the combination of the mechanisms producing parkinsonian and cerebellar tremor. Neuropathic tremor is believed to be caused by abnormally functioning reflex pathways and a wide variety of causes underlies toxic and drug-induced tremors. The understanding of the pathophysiology of tremor has made significant progress but many hypotheses are not yet based on sufficient data. Modern neurology needs to develop and test such hypotheses, because this is the only way to develop rational medical and surgical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Deuschl
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Niemannsweg 147, D-24105 Kiel, Germany.
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41
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O'Sullivan JD, Brown P, Lees AJ. Unusual tremor associated with a posterolateral thalamic lesion in a drummer. Mov Disord 2001; 16:174-6. [PMID: 11215585 DOI: 10.1002/1531-8257(200101)16:1<174::aid-mds1034>3.0.co;2-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J D O'Sullivan
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, United Kingdom
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Berg D, Preibisch C, Hofmann E, Naumann M. Cerebral activation pattern in primary writing tremor. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2000; 69:780-6. [PMID: 11080231 PMCID: PMC1737170 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.69.6.780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the cerebral activation pattern during writing of patients with writing tremor with healthy controls using functional MRI METHODS: Three patients with writing tremor and 10 healthy controls were examined using a 1.5 Tesla scanner. All subjects performed a paradigm of alternating 30 second periods of rest or writing. For functional imaging 60 EPI multislice data sets were acquired. All images were analyzed using SPM96 software. Data were analyzed for the group of patients with writing tremor and compared with those of the control group. RESULTS Both patients with writing tremor and controls showed a significant activation of the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex, SMA, and area 44. By contrast, motor cortex activation in writing tremor also included the contralateral premotor area (area 6) and ipsilateral prefrontal area (inferior frontal gyrus; areas 10, 44, and 47). Only patients with writing tremor showed a bilateral activation of the parietal lobule (area 40) with a more pronounced activation on the contralateral side. Furthermore, there was a bilateral activation of the cerebellum with a more pronounced area of activation on the ipsilateral side. CONCLUSIONS Brain areas activated in writing tremor included activation patterns otherwise typical for both essential tremor and writer's cramp. Therefore a distinct category for writing tremor integrating hallmarks of essential tremor and writer's cramp is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Berg
- Department of Neurology, Bayerische Julius-Maximilians- Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, D - 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Abstract
Tremors other than those associated with Parkinson's disease are commonly encountered in clinical practice. The differentiation of tremor subtypes depends primarily on the presence of distinct clinical characteristics and is facilitated by the use of consistent nomenclature. Such differentiation can be helpful in determining the etiology of the tremor and assist in its management. In this review, the authors outline recently proposed changes to classification and review the clinical features, differential diagnosis, and current therapy for nonparkinsonian tremors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D O'Sullivan
- The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
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44
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Cassim F, Derambure P, Defebvrè L, Bourriez JL, Destée A, Guieu JD. [Neurophysiologic study of tremor]. Neurophysiol Clin 2000; 30:81-96. [PMID: 10812577 DOI: 10.1016/s0987-7053(00)00060-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremor is frequently encountered in neurologic practice. Clinical examination supplies information regarding its approximative frequency, regularity, amplitude, topography and activation conditions. The neurophysiological study helps in confirming the tremor, in differentiating it from other movement disorders like myoclonus, and may provide distinctive features which are important for the aetiological diagnosis. The neurophysiological investigation includes accelerometry, which analyses the mechanics of the movement. Spectral analysis with FFT allows the determination of frequency and amplitude. Accelerometry is always associated with surface EMG of at least two antagonistic muscles. It may show rhythmic bursts, their frequency, duration and activation pattern (alternating or synchronous). This neurophysiological approach to tremor has multiple interests. It may help in differentiating a true rest tremor from a postural tremor seemingly persisting at rest. Brief interruptions or rhythm breaks during distraction manoeuvers are seen in psychogenic tremors. Surface EMG may also demonstrate positive myoclonic bursts, or brief silent periods corresponding to negative myoclonus, sometimes pseudorhythmic, thus appearing clinically like a tremor, but investigations, aetiologies and treatment are different. Several features, especially slow frequency, may suggest a midbrain tremor, thus requiring brain imagery centered around the posterior fossa. Finally, the neurophysiological examination is the only way to demonstrate a primary writing tremor, or a primary orthostatic tremor, the frequency of which is pathognomonic while clinical symptoms are rather misleading.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cassim
- Service de neurophysiologie clinique, hôpital Roger Salengro, CHU Lille, France
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45
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Minguez-Castellanos A, Carnero-Pardo C, Gómez-Camello A, Ortega-Moreno A, García-Gómez T, Arjona V, Martin-Linares JM. Primary writing tremor treated by chronic thalamic stimulation. Mov Disord 1999; 14:1030-3. [PMID: 10584683 DOI: 10.1002/1531-8257(199911)14:6<1030::aid-mds1021>3.0.co;2-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Minguez-Castellanos
- Neurological Sciences Institute, Department of Neurology, Virgen de las Nieves Hospital, Granada, Spain
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