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Hopfner F, Buhmann C, Classen J, Holtbernd F, Klebe S, Koschel J, Kohl Z, Paus S, Pedrosa DJ. Tips and tricks in tremor treatment. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024:10.1007/s00702-024-02806-x. [PMID: 39043978 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02806-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Tremor, whether arising from neurological diseases, other conditions, or medication side effects, significantly impacts patients' lives. Treatment complexities necessitate clear algorithms and strategies. Levodopa remains pivotal for Parkinson's tremor, though response variability exists. Some dopamine agonists offer notable tremor reduction targeting D2 receptors. Propranolol effectively manages essential tremor and essential tremor plus (ET/ET +), sometimes with primidone for added benefits, albeit dose-dependent side effects. As reserve medications anticholinergics and clozapine are used for treatment of parkinsonian tremor, 1-Octanol and certain anticonvulsant drugs for tremor of other orign, especially ET. Therapies such as invasive deep brain stimulation and lesional focused ultrasound serve for resistant cases. A medication review is crucial for all forms of tremor, but it is particularly important if medication may have triggered the tremor. Sensor-based detection and non-drug interventions like wristbands and physical therapy broaden diagnostic and therapeutic horizons, promising future tremor care enhancements. Understanding treatment nuances is a key for tailored tremor management respecting patient needs and tolerability. Successful strategies integrate pharmacological, non-invasive, and technological modalities, aiming for optimal symptom control and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hopfner
- Department of Neurology, Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik mit Friedrich Baur Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Carsten Buhmann
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joseph Classen
- Department of Neurology, Leipzig University Medical Center, Liebigstraße 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Florian Holtbernd
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Juelich Research Center GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephan Klebe
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Recklinghausen, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - Jiri Koschel
- Parkinson-Klinik Ortenau, GmbH & Co KG, Kreuzbergstraße 12-16, 77709, Wolfach, Germany
| | - Zacharias Kohl
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Paus
- Department of Neurology, GFO Clinics Troisdorf, Troisdorf, Germany
| | - David J Pedrosa
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Centre for Mind, Brain and Behaviour, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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2
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McGurrin P, Norato G, Thompson-Westra J, McCrossin G, Lines E, Lungu C, Pandey S, Tinaz S, Voller B, Ramchandani V, Hallett M, Haubenberger D. Objective response to ethanol in essential tremor: results from a standardized ethanol challenge study. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:156-168. [PMID: 38087917 PMCID: PMC10791018 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51943] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ethanol has been reported to improve tremor severity in approximately two thirds of patients with essential tremor (ET), but the accuracy of that proportion is not certain and the mechanism of action is unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate alcohol response on tremor by applying an a priori objective response definition and subsequently to describe the responder rate to a standardized ethanol dose in a cohort of 85 ET patients. A secondary analysis evaluated other tremor and nontremor features, including demographics, tremor intensity, breath alcohol concentration, nontremor effects of alcohol, self-reported responder status to ethanol, and prior ethanol exposure. METHODS This was a prospective, open-label, single-dose challenge of oral ethanol during which motor and nonmotor measurements were obtained starting immediately prior to ethanol administration and subsequently every 20 min for 120 min. We defined tremor reduction as a 35% decline in power in the patient's tremor frequency recorded during spiral drawing 60 min after ethanol administration. RESULTS In total, 80% of patients were considered alcohol responsive using our objective definition. Responder status and change in the objective tremor metrics were significantly correlated with the change in breath alcohol concentration levels after ethanol administration, but no other relationships to nontremor metrics were found. DISCUSSION A high percentage of patients actually respond to acute ethanol. However, their self-reported response does not correlate well with their objective response. Objective response correlates with breath alcohol level but not with sedation, indicating a specific effect of ethanol on tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McGurrin
- Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gina Norato
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Johanna Thompson-Westra
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Gayle McCrossin
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Office of Strategic Research, Applied Physiology and Exercise Science Lab, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily Lines
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Codrin Lungu
- Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sanjay Pandey
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, India
| | - Sule Tinaz
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Vijay Ramchandani
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dietrich Haubenberger
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of San Diego California, La Jolla, California, USA
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3
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O’Flynn LC, Frucht SJ, Simonyan K. Sodium Oxybate in Alcohol-Responsive Essential Tremor of Voice: An Open-Label Phase II Study. Mov Disord 2023; 38:1936-1944. [PMID: 37448353 PMCID: PMC10615702 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential tremor of voice (ETv) is characterized by involuntary oscillations of laryngeal and upper airway muscles, causing rhythmic alterations in pitch and loudness during both passive breathing and active laryngeal tasks, such as speaking and singing. Treatment of ETv is challenging and typically less effective compared with treatment of ET affecting extremities. OBJECTIVE We conducted a proof-of-concept, open-label phase II study to examine the efficacy and central effects of sodium oxybate in patients with alcohol-responsive ETv. METHODS All subjects received 1.0 to 1.5 g of oral sodium oxybate and underwent brain functional magnetic resonance imaging. The primary endpoint was the number of patients (% from total) with reduced ETv symptoms by at least 10% at about 40 to 45 minutes after sodium oxybate intake based on the combined visual analog scale score of ETv symptom severity. The secondary endpoint included changes in brain activity after sodium oxybate intake compared to baseline. RESULTS Sodium oxybate reduced ETv symptoms on average by 40.8% in 92.9% of patients. Drug effects were observed about 40 to 45 minutes after intake, lasting about 3.5 hours, and gradually wearing off by the end of the fifth hour. The central effects of sodium oxybate were associated with normalized activity in the cerebellum, inferior/superior parietal lobules, inferior frontal gyrus, and insula and re-established functional relationships between these regions. CONCLUSIONS Sodium oxybate showed high efficacy in ETv patients, with a likely central action on disorder pathophysiology. Sodium oxybate may be an effective novel oral drug for treatment of alcohol-responsive ETv patients. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena C. O’Flynn
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Speech Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Steven J. Frucht
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Kristina Simonyan
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Speech Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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4
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Huang YH, Lee MT, Hsueh HY, Knutson DE, Cook J, Mihovilovic MD, Sieghart W, Chiou LC. Cerebellar α6GABA A Receptors as a Therapeutic Target for Essential Tremor: Proof-of-Concept Study with Ethanol and Pyrazoloquinolinones. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:399-418. [PMID: 36696034 PMCID: PMC10121996 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01342-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethanol has been shown to suppress essential tremor (ET) in patients at low-to-moderate doses, but its mechanism(s) of action remain unknown. One of the ET hypotheses attributes the ET tremorgenesis to the over-activated firing of inferior olivary neurons, causing synchronic rhythmic firings of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Purkinje cells, however, also receive excitatory inputs from granule cells where the α6 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α6GABAARs) are abundantly expressed. Since ethanol is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of α6GABAARs, such action may mediate its anti-tremor effect. Employing the harmaline-induced ET model in male ICR mice, we evaluated the possible anti-tremor effects of ethanol and α6GABAAR-selective pyrazoloquinolinone PAMs. The burrowing activity, an indicator of well-being in rodents, was measured concurrently. Ethanol significantly and dose-dependently attenuated action tremor at non-sedative doses (0.4-2.4 g/kg, i.p.). Propranolol and α6GABAAR-selective pyrazoloquinolinones also significantly suppressed tremor activity. Neither ethanol nor propranolol, but only pyrazoloquinolinones, restored burrowing activity in harmaline-treated mice. Importantly, intra-cerebellar micro-injection of furosemide (an α6GABAAR antagonist) had a trend of blocking the effect of pyrazoloquinolinone Compound 6 or ethanol on harmaline-induced tremor. In addition, the anti-tremor effects of Compound 6 and ethanol were synergistic. These results suggest that low doses of ethanol and α6GABAAR-selective PAMs can attenuate action tremor, at least partially by modulating cerebellar α6GABAARs. Thus, α6GABAARs are potential therapeutic targets for ET, and α6GABAAR-selective PAMs may be a potential mono- or add-on therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hsien Huang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
| | - Han-Yun Hsueh
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Daniel E Knutson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - James Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | | | - Werner Sieghart
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
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5
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Chi W, Wu M, Wang HL, Wu QY, Zhang YP, Hu YN, Zhu YB, Lin XF, Chen T, Luo JW, Ruan XL, Li YF. Han family with essential tremor caused by the P421L variant of the TENM4 gene in China. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:2003-2015. [PMID: 36689009 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential tremor (ET) is an autosomal dominant inheritance disorder. Mutations in fusion sarcoma (FUS), mitochondrial serine peptidase 2 (HTRA2), teneurin transmembrane protein 4 (TENM4), sortilin1 (SORT1), SCN11A, and notch2N-terminal-like (NOTCH2NLC) genes are associated with familial ET. METHODS A proband with ET was tested using whole-exome sequencing and repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, the family members were screened for the suspected mutation, and the results were verified using Sanger sequencing. The relationship between pedigree and phenotype was also analyzed, and structural and functional changes in the variants were predicted using bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS In a family with ET, the proband (III4) and the proband's father (II1), grandfather (I1), uncle (II2), and cousin (III5) all presented with involuntary tremors of both upper limbs. The responsible mutation was identified as TENM4 c.1262C > T (p.P421L), which showed genetic co-segregation in the family survey. AlphaFold predicted a change in the spatial position of TENM4 after the P421L mutation, which may have affected its stability. AlphaFold also predicted P421L to be a deleterious variation, which would lead to lower degrees of freedom of the TENM4 protein, thereby affecting the protein's structure and stability. According to the bioinformatics analysis, TENM4 (p.P421L) may reduce the signal reaching the nucleus by affecting the expression of TENM4 messenger RNA (mRNA), thereby impairing the normal oligodendrocyte differentiation process and leading to impaired myelination. CONCLUSION This study revealed that the TENM4 (p.P421L) pathogenic missense variation was responsible for ET in the proband.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Chi
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.,Emergency Department, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, Fujian Provincial Institute of Emergency MedicineFujian Emergency Medical Center, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Min Wu
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Han-Lu Wang
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Qiu-Yan Wu
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yan-Ping Zhang
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Ya-Nan Hu
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yao-Bin Zhu
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Xin-Fu Lin
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Jie-Wei Luo
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China. .,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Xing-Lin Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Yun-Fei Li
- Fujian Provincial HospitalShengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China. .,Department of Neurology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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6
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Sun Q, He R, Huang H, Cao H, Wang X, Liu H, Wang C, Lei L, Wang P, Cui G, Ma J, Gu P, An D, Jia M, Sun Z, Wu H, Lin J, Tang J, Zhou X, Li M, Zeng S, Chen Y, Yan X, Guo J, Xu Q, Liu Z, Shen L, Jiang H, Wu X, Xiao Q, Chen H, Xu Y, Tang B. Age and Sex Affect Essential Tremor (ET) Plus: Clinical Heterogeneity in ET Based on the National Survey in China. Aging Dis 2022:AD.2022.1205. [PMID: 37163423 PMCID: PMC10389817 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.1205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The new term essential tremor (ET) plus was proposed in the 2018 tremor consensus criteria. The National Survey of Essential Tremor Plus in China, a large multicenter registry study, aimed to evaluate the clinical features of pure ET and ET plus and explore possible factors related to ET plus. All patients with ET underwent neurological examination and neuropsychological assessment at 17 clinical sites. The diagnosis was made according to the 2018 consensus criteria. Clinicodemographic characteristics were analyzed. A total of 1160 patients were included, including 546 patients with pure ET and 614 patients with ET plus. The proportion of females was significantly higher in the ET plus than that in the pure ET (P = 0.001). The age at onset (AAO) of pure ET showed a bimodal distribution, with peaks in the 2nd and 5th decades. However, the AAO of the ET plus group demonstrated a skewed distribution, with a single peak in the 6th decade. Female sex (OR=1.645, P<0.001), older age (OR=1.023, P<0.001), lower educational level (OR=0.934, P<0.001), head tremor (OR=1.457, P<0.001), and higher the Tremor Research Group Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS)-II scores (OR=1.134, P<0.001) were significantly associated with ET plus. Old age and female sex may contribute to ET plus development. Pure ET showed a bimodal distribution for AAO, whereas ET plus showed a unimodal distribution. It remains unclear whether pure ET and ET plus are merely different stages of a single disease or represent distinct disease entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Sun
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Runcheng He
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongyan Huang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongmei Cao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuejing Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shangxi, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lifang Lei
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Puqing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiang Yang No. 1 People's Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, China
| | - Guiyun Cui
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianjun Ma
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Di An
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Min Jia
- Department of Neurology, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, China
| | - Zhanfang Sun
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Heng Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jinsheng Lin
- Department of Neurology, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan, China
| | - Jiayu Tang
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Provincial Brain Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xun Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Sheng Zeng
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yase Chen
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinxiang Yan
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jifeng Guo
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenhua Liu
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyin Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qin Xiao
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanming Xu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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7
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McGurn MM, Berry DS, Dworkin JD, Louis ED. Longitudinal Progression of Essential Tremor: Do Tremor Severity Scores Increase at a Uniform Rate? Front Neurol 2022; 13:871905. [PMID: 35711255 PMCID: PMC9197457 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.871905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few longitudinal studies assess the progression of essential tremor (ET). One unexplored issue is whether tremor severity increases across time at a uniform rate. That is, does the observed rate of change in tremor severity within a particular patient remain constant or vary across time? This question of intra-individual differences is particularly important since it reflects a primary patient concern–will the nature of change I have seen to date be what I can expect in the future? Methods ET cases were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal study. We selected 35 cases and assessed tremor severity via Bain and Findley ratings of Archimedes spirals assigned by a senior movement disorders neurologist. After reviewing both the change in spiral scores and the rate of change in scores, we identified five mutually exclusive patterns of severity change. We calculated the prevalence of each category using two complementary sets of classification criteria. Results Length of follow-up was 4.5 to 16.0 years, mean=10.2 years. Mean baseline tremor severity score was 4.6, SD=1.6. Depending upon the classification criteria used, the tremor scores of one-third to one-half of cases did not increase in a uniform fashion but were better described as demonstrating jumps and/or reversals in scores across time. Conclusions We document the nature of changes in ET tremor severity scores across a ten-year period via expert ratings of Archimedes spiral drawings. Such natural history data are valuable to patients and clinicians who hope to better understand and predict the likely course of ET symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M McGurn
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Diane S Berry
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jordan D Dworkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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8
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Vu JP, Cisneros E, Zhao J, Lee HY, Jankovic J, Factor SA, Goetz CG, Barbano RL, Perlmutter JS, Jinnah HA, Richardson SP, Stebbins GT, Elble RJ, Comella CL, Peterson DA. From null to midline: changes in head posture do not predictably change head tremor in cervical dystonia. DYSTONIA 2022; 1:10684. [PMID: 37101941 PMCID: PMC10128866 DOI: 10.3389/dyst.2022.10684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction A common view is that head tremor (HT) in cervical dystonia (CD) decreases when the head assumes an unopposed dystonic posture and increases when the head is held at midline. However, this has not been examined with objective measures in a large, multicenter cohort. Methods For 80 participants with CD and HT, we analyzed videos from examination segments in which participants were instructed to 1) let their head drift to its most comfortable position (null point) and then 2) hold their head straight at midline. We used our previously developed Computational Motor Objective Rater (CMOR) to quantify changes in severity, amplitude, and frequency between the two postures. Results Although up to 9% of participants had exacerbated HT in midline, across the whole cohort, paired t-tests reveal no significant changes in overall severity (t = -0.23, p = 0.81), amplitude (t = -0.80, p = 0.43), and frequency (t = 1.48, p = 0.14) between the two postures. Conclusions When instructed to first let their head drift to its null point and then to hold their head straight at midline, most patient's changes in HT were below the thresholds one would expect from the sensitivity of clinical rating scales. Counter to common clinical impression, CMOR objectively showed that HT does not consistently increase at midline posture in comparison to the null posture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne P. Vu
- Computational Neurology Center, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Cisneros
- Computational Neurology Center, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jerry Zhao
- Computational Neurology Center, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ha Yeon Lee
- Computational Neurology Center, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stewart A. Factor
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher G. Goetz
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Joel S. Perlmutter
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Departments of Radiology, Neuroscience, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hyder A. Jinnah
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Pirio Richardson
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Neurology Service, New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Glenn T. Stebbins
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rodger J. Elble
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Cynthia L. Comella
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A. Peterson
- Computational Neurology Center, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Name, address, telephone and email address of the corresponding author: David Peterson, CNL-S, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, 858-334-3110, Fax number: N/A,
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9
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Abstract
Patients with essential tremor, vocal tremor, torticollis, myoclonus-dystonia and posthypoxic myoclonus often benefit in a surprisingly rapid and robust manner from ingestion of a modest amount of alcohol (ethanol). Despite considerable investigation, the mechanism of ethanol’s ability to produce this effect remains a mystery. In this paper, we review the pharmacology of ethanol and its analogue GHB (or sodium oxybate), summarize the published literature of alcohol-responsive hyperkinetic movement disorders, and demonstrate videos of patients we have treated over the last fifteen years with either an ethanol challenge or with chronic sodium oxybate therapy. We then propose a novel explanation for this phenomenon—namely, that ingestion of modest doses of ethanol (or sodium oxybate) normalizes the aberrant motor networks underling these disorders. We propose that alcohol and its analogues improve clinical symptoms and their physiologic correlate by restoring the normal firing pattern of the major outflow pathways of the cerebellum (the Purkinje cells and deep cerebellar nuclei), We present evidence to support this hypothesis in animal models and in affected patients, and suggest future investigations to test this model.
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10
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Nietz A, Krook-Magnuson C, Gutierrez H, Klein J, Sauve C, Hoff I, Christenson Wick Z, Krook-Magnuson E. Selective loss of the GABA Aα1 subunit from Purkinje cells is sufficient to induce a tremor phenotype. J Neurophysiol 2020; 124:1183-1197. [PMID: 32902350 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00100.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, an essential tremor-like phenotype has been noted in animals with a global knockout of the GABAAα1 subunit. Given the hypothesized role of the cerebellum in tremor, including essential tremor, we used transgenic mice to selectively knock out the GABAAα1 subunit from cerebellar Purkinje cells. We examined the resulting phenotype regarding impacts on inhibitory postsynaptic currents, survival rates, gross motor abilities, and expression of tremor. Purkinje cell specific knockout of the GABAAα1 subunit abolished all GABAA-mediated inhibition in Purkinje cells, while leaving GABAA-mediated inhibition to cerebellar molecular layer interneurons intact. Selective loss of GABAAα1 from Purkinje cells did not produce deficits on the accelerating rotarod, nor did it result in decreased survival rates. However, a tremor phenotype was apparent, regardless of sex or background strain. This tremor mimicked the tremor seen in animals with a global knockout of the GABAAα1 subunit, and, like essential tremor in patients, was responsive to ethanol. These findings indicate that reduced inhibition to Purkinje cells is sufficient to induce a tremor phenotype, highlighting the importance of the cerebellum, inhibition, and Purkinje cells in tremor.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Animals with a global knockout of the GABAAα1 subunit show a tremor phenotype reminiscent of essential tremor. Here we show that selective knockout of GABAAα1 from Purkinje cells is sufficient to produce a tremor phenotype, although this tremor is less severe than seen in animals with a global knockout. These findings illustrate that the cerebellum can play a key role in the genesis of the observed tremor phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Nietz
- University of Minnesota, Department of Neuroscience, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Haruna Gutierrez
- University of Minnesota, Department of Neuroscience, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Julia Klein
- University of Minnesota, Department of Neuroscience, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Clarke Sauve
- University of Minnesota, Department of Neuroscience, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Isaac Hoff
- University of Minnesota, Department of Neuroscience, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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11
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Wu J, Tang H, Chen S, Cao L. Mechanisms and Pharmacotherapy for Ethanol-Responsive Movement Disorders. Front Neurol 2020; 11:892. [PMID: 32982923 PMCID: PMC7477383 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethanol-responsive movement disorders are a group of movement disorders of which clinical manifestation could receive significant improvement after ethanol intake, including essential tremor, myoclonus-dystonia, and some other hyperkinesia. Emerging evidence supports that the sensitivity of these conditions to ethanol might be attributed to similar anatomical targets and pathophysiologic mechanisms. Cerebellum and cerebellum-related networks play a critical role in these diseases. Suppression of inhibitory neurotransmission and hyper-excitability of these regions are the key points for pathogenesis. GABA pathways, the main inhibitory system involved in these regions, were firstly linked to the pathogenesis of these diseases, and GABAA receptors and GABAB receptors play critical roles in ethanol responsiveness. Moreover, impairment of low-voltage-activated calcium channels, which were considered as a contributor to oscillation activity of the nervous system, also participates in the sensitivity of ethanol in relevant disease. Glutamate transporters and receptors that are closely associated with GABA pathways are the action sites for ethanol as well. Accordingly, alternative medicines aiming at these shared mechanisms appeared subsequently to mimic ethanol-like effects with less liability, and some of them have achieved positive effects on different diseases with well-tolerance. However, more clinical trials with a large sample and long-term follow-ups are needed for pragmatic use of these medicines, and further investigations on mechanisms will continue to deepen the understanding of these diseases and also accelerate the discovery of ideal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Li Cao
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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van de Wardt J, van der Stouwe AMM, Dirkx M, Elting JWJ, Post B, Tijssen MA, Helmich RC. Systematic clinical approach for diagnosing upper limb tremor. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:822-830. [PMID: 32457087 PMCID: PMC7402459 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-322676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tremor is the most common movement disorder worldwide, but diagnosis is challenging. In 2018, the task force on tremor of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society published a consensus statement that proposes a tremor classification along two independent axes: a clinical tremor syndrome and its underlying aetiology. In line with this statement, we here propose a stepwise diagnostic approach that leads to the correct clinical and aetiological classification of upper limb tremor. We also describe the typical clinical signs of each clinical tremor syndrome. A key feature of our algorithm is the distinction between isolated and combined tremor syndromes, in which tremor is accompanied by bradykinesia, cerebellar signs, dystonia, peripheral neuropathy or brainstem signs. This distinction subsequently informs the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests, such as neurophysiology, laboratory testing, structural and dopaminergic imaging and genetic testing. We highlight treatable metabolic causes of tremor, as well as drugs and toxins that can provoke tremor. The stepwise approach facilitates appropriate diagnostic testing and avoids unnecessary investigations. We expect that the approach offered in this article will reduce diagnostic uncertainty and increase the diagnostic yield in patients with tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaron van de Wardt
- Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A M Madelein van der Stouwe
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands .,Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel Dirkx
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem J Elting
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Post
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marina Aj Tijssen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick C Helmich
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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13
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Robertson EE, Hall DA, Pal G, Ouyang B, Liu Y, Joyce JM, Berry-Kravis E, O'Keefe JA. Tremorography in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Clin Park Relat Disord 2020; 3:100040. [PMID: 34316626 PMCID: PMC8298795 DOI: 10.1016/j.prdoa.2020.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting carriers of a 55-200 CGG repeat in the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene, may receive an initial diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET) due to overlapping motor symptoms. Therefore, tremor and bradykinesia were compared in these disorders using quantitative tremorography. Methods The inertial sensor based Kinesia ™ system was used to quantify upper extremity tremor and bradykinesia in participants with FXTAS (n = 25), PD (n = 23), ET (n = 18) and controls (n = 20) and regression analysis was performed to determine whether tremorography measures distinguished between the groups. The FXTAS Rating scale (FXTAS-RS) was administered to determine whether sub-score items on the clinician rated scale correlated with tremorography variables. Results FXTAS participants had reduced finger tap speed compared to those with ET, and ET had increased kinetic tremor compared to PD. Higher kinetic tremor distinguished FXTAS from PD (p = .02), and lower finger tap speed distinguished FXTAS from ET (p = .004). FXTAS-RS tremor and bradykinesia items correlated with tremorography measures (p = .005 to <0.0001). Conclusions This is the first quantitative study to compare tremor and bradykinesia in FXTAS, PD and ET. Kinetic tremor and bradykinesia measures using a quantitative inertial sensor system distinguished FXTAS from PD and ET, respectively. Such technologies may be useful for detecting precise tremor and bradykinesia abnormalities and distinguishing the tremor and bradykinesia profiles in each of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Robertson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Deborah A Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Gian Pal
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Bichun Ouyang
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Yuanqing Liu
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Jessica M Joyce
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Joan A O'Keefe
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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14
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Which disease features run in essential tremor families? A systematic review. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2019; 69:71-78. [PMID: 31698217 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2019.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Essential tremor is a common and highly heritable movement disorder. It is largely unknown, however, to what extent family members share overlapping symptoms. Such knowledge would be useful, as it may lead to the definition of familial essential tremor phenotypes, which will aid the ongoing search for genotypes. Also, this information can be used by clinicians in patient counselling. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to provide an overview of the evidence on which essential tremor features run in families, to assess the literature's strengths and weaknesses, and to provide recommendations for future studies. PubMed was searched resulting in 460 titles: sixteen articles ultimately proved fit for inclusion. The results are represented in line with the Axis 1 classification of tremor as published in the latest Consensus Statement. In summary, we found varying levels of positive evidence for familial aggregation of age at onset, disease progression, alcohol responsiveness, parkinsonism and dystonia. Evidence on midline tremor was conflicting. The evidence on familial clustering was negative for cerebellar signs and action tremor asymmetry. Although the level of evidence is modest, it seems that some disease features are indeed familial, while other features are not. We discuss complicating factors, such as state-vs-trait dependency of characteristics, the place of familial dystonia, and the development of diagnostic criteria for essential tremor over time. In the future, comprehensive replication studies are needed, with the addition of several characteristics that have not been investigated so far, as the next step towards discovery of essential tremor phenotypes.
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15
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Abstract
Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders in adults and can affect both children and adults. An updated consensus statement in 2018 redefined essential tremor as an isolated action tremor present in bilateral upper extremities for at least three years. Tremor may also be present in other locations, commonly the neck or the vocal cords. Patients with additional neurologic symptoms are now categorized as "essential tremor plus." Additional clinical features associated with the condition include but are not limited to cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, and hearing loss. When treatment is needed, propranolol and primidone are considered first line treatments. Patients who are severely affected are often offered deep brain stimulation. Although the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus is the traditional surgical target, the caudal zona incerta is also being studied as a possible superior alternative. Magnetic resonance imaging guided high intensity focused ultrasound is a newer surgical alternative that may be ideal for patients with substantial medical comorbidities. Current research explores novel oral treatments, chemodenervation, and noninvasive neuromodulation for treatment of essential tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Shanker
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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16
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Junker J, Brandt V, Berman BD, Vidailhet M, Roze E, Weissbach A, Comella C, Malaty IA, Jankovic J, LeDoux MS, Berardelli A, Barbano R, Reich SG, Perlmutter JS, Jinnah HA, Brüggemann N. Predictors of alcohol responsiveness in dystonia. Neurology 2018; 91:e2020-e2026. [PMID: 30341158 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000006551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine predictors of alcohol responsiveness in a large cohort of patients with dystonia. METHODS A total of 2,159 participants with dystonia were prospectively enrolled in the cross-sectional Dystonia Coalition multicenter study. Patients with secondary, combined, or confirmed genetic dystonia (total n = 164) or unknown alcohol responsiveness (n = 737) were excluded. Patients answered a standardized questionnaire and were clinically examined using a standardized video protocol and the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale. Alcohol responsiveness was determined by patients' self-report. RESULTS A total of 1,258 patients with isolated dystonia (mean age: 59.5 ± 12.2 years; 898 women) met the inclusion criteria; 369 patients (29.3%) reported improvement of dystonia after alcohol consumption. Alcohol responsiveness was not related to sex (p = 0.742), age (p = 0.715), or severity of dystonia (p = 0.623). Age at onset was lower in patients who responded to alcohol (p < 0.001). Alcohol responsiveness differed across dystonia subgroups (multifocal/generalized > segmental [p = 0.014]; cervical and laryngeal > cranial and limb [p < 0.001]) and was related to a positive family history of movement disorders (p = 0.001), and presence of tremor (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The association of alcohol responsiveness with a positive family history for movement disorders, generalized dystonia, and an earlier age at onset suggests that patients with dystonia who have an underlying genetic contribution may be more likely to respond beneficially to alcohol. The fact that dystonic tremor may respond to alcohol is in keeping with the observation that the intake of GABAergic drugs may have a beneficial effect in a proportion of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Junker
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Valerie Brandt
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Brian D Berman
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Marie Vidailhet
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Emmanuel Roze
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Anne Weissbach
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Cynthia Comella
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Irene A Malaty
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Mark S LeDoux
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Richard Barbano
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Stephen G Reich
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Joel S Perlmutter
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - H A Jinnah
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Norbert Brüggemann
- From the Institute of Neurogenetics (J. Junker, V.B., A.W., N.B.) and Department of Neurology (J. Junker, N.B.), University of Luebeck, Germany; Department of Psychology (V.B.), Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, UK; Department of Neurology (B.D.B.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Neurology Section (B.D.B.), Denver VA Medical Center, CO; Département de Neurologie (M.V., E.R.), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris; Sorbonne Universités (M.V.), Pierre Marie Curie Paris-6, Institute of Brain and Spine (ICM), Inserm U 1127, Paris, France; Department of Neurology (C.C.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Department of Neurology (I.A.M.), Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville; Department of Neurology (J. Jankovic), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Neurology (M.S.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Neuromed Institute (IRCCS) (A.B.), Pozzilli (IS), and Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University di Roma, Italy; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (S.G.R.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; Department of Neurology (J.S.P.), Washington University in St. Louis, MO; and Department of Neurology and Human Genetics (H.A.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
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Predictors of deep brain stimulation outcome in tremor patients. Brain Stimul 2018; 11:592-599. [PMID: 29330020 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep brain stimulation of the ventro-intermedius nucleus of the thalamus is an established treatment for tremor of differing etiologies but factors that may predict the short- and especially long-term outcome of surgery are still largely unknown. METHODS We retrospectively investigated the clinical, pharmacological, electrophysiological and anatomical features that might predict the initial response and preservation of benefit in all patients who underwent deep brain stimulation for tremor. Data were collected at the following time points: baseline (preoperative), one-year post-surgery, and most recent visit. Tremor severity was recorded using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale and/or the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. RESULTS A total of 52 patients were included in the final analysis: 31 with essential tremor, 15 with cerebellar tremor of different etiologies, and 6 with Parkinson's disease. Long-term success (mean follow-up duration 34.7 months, range 1.7-121.1 months) was reported in 63.5%. Predictors of long-term benefit were: underlying tremor etiology (best outcome in Parkinson's disease, worst outcome in cerebellar tremor); age at surgery (the older the better); baseline tremor severity (the greater the better); lack of response to benzodiazepines; a more anterior electrode placement and single-unit beta power (the greater the better). CONCLUSIONS Specific patients' features (including single unit beta activity) and electrode locations may predict the short- and long-term benefit of thalamic stimulation for tremor. Future prospective studies enrolling a much larger sample of patients are needed to substantiate the associations detected by this retrospective study.
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Schaefer SM, Vives Rodriguez A, Louis ED. Brain circuits and neurochemical systems in essential tremor: insights into current and future pharmacotherapeutic approaches. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 18:101-110. [PMID: 29206482 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2018.1413353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are few medications that are available for the treatment of essential tremor (ET) and they are only moderately effective. Areas covered: Data were obtained from a PubMed search. Original articles, review articles, and clinical guidelines were included. Two disease models for ET have been proposed: 1) the olivary model, which attributes ET to a pathological pacemaker in the inferior olivary nucleus, and 2) the cerebellar degeneration model, which postulates that ET originates in the cerebellum and could be related to deficient or abnormal Purkinje cell (PC) output. Underlying biochemical dysfunction in T-type calcium channels (T-tCaC) may loosely be linked to the first model and deficiency/abnormality in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission, to the second. Expert commentary: Human data points robustly to the role of GABA in ET. Numerous medications that target the GABA system have been tried, with variable success. Given the many different types of GABA-ergic neurons, and the multitude of GABAA receptor subtypes, a given medication could have competing/cancelling effects. It would seem that influencing GABA receptors broadly is not as effective as targeting certain GABAA receptor subtypes. Future research should seek to identify molecular candidates that have a more targeted effect within the GABA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Schaefer
- a Department of Neurology , Yale School of Medicine, Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Ana Vives Rodriguez
- a Department of Neurology , Yale School of Medicine, Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Elan D Louis
- a Department of Neurology , Yale School of Medicine, Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA.,b Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology , Yale School of Public Health, Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA.,c Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine , Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA
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19
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Elble RJ, Ellenbogen A. Digitizing Tablet and Fahn-Tolosa-Marín Ratings of Archimedes Spirals have Comparable Minimum Detectable Change in Essential Tremor. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 7:481. [PMID: 28966878 PMCID: PMC5618112 DOI: 10.7916/d89s20h7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drawing Archimedes spirals is a popular and valid method of assessing action tremor in the upper limbs. We performed the first blinded comparison of Fahn-Tolosa-Marín (FTM) ratings and tablet measures of essential tremor to determine if a digitizing tablet is better than 0-4 ratings in detecting changes in essential tremor that exceed random variability in tremor amplitude. METHODS The large and small spirals of FTM were drawn with each hand on two consecutive days by 14 men and four women (age 60±8.7 years [mean±SD]) with mild to severe essential tremor. The drawings were simultaneously digitized with a digitizing tablet. Tremor in each digitized drawing was computed with spectral analysis in an independent laboratory, blinded to the clinical ratings. The mean peak-to-peak tremor displacement (cm) in the four spirals and mean FTM ratings were compared statistically. RESULTS Test-retest intraclass correlations (ICCs) (two-way random single measures, absolute agreement) were excellent for the FTM ratings (ICC 0.90, 95% CI 0.76-0.96) and tablet (ICC 0.97, 95% CI 0.91-0.99). Log10 tremor amplitude (T) and FTM were strongly correlated (logT=αFTM + β, α≈0.6, β≈-1.27, r=0.94). The minimum detectable change for the tablet and FTM were 51% and 67% of the initial assessment. DISCUSSION Digitizing tablets are much more precise than clinical ratings, but this advantage is mitigated by the natural variability in tremor. Nevertheless, the digitizing tablet is a robust method of quantifying tremor that can be used in lieu of or in combination with clinical ratings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodger J Elble
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Aaron Ellenbogen
- Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, Farmington Hills, MI, USA
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Abstract
Tremor is the most common movement disorder characterized by a rhythmical, involuntary oscillatory movement of a body part. Since distinct diseases can cause similar tremor manifestations and vice-versa, it is challenging to make an accurate diagnosis. This applies particularly for tremor at rest. This entity was only rarely studied in the past, although a multitude of clinical studies on prevalence and clinical features of tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD), essential tremor and dystonia, have been carried out. Monosymptomatic rest tremor has been further separated from tremor-dominated PD. Rest tremor is also found in dystonic tremor, essential tremor with a rest component, Holmes tremor and a few even rarer conditions. Dopamine transporter imaging and several electrophysiological methods provide additional clues for tremor differential diagnosis. New evidence from neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies has broadened our knowledge on the pathophysiology of Parkinsonian and non-Parkinsonian tremor. Large cohort studies are warranted in future to explore the nature course and biological basis of tremor in common tremor related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011 Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel Campus, Christian-Albrechts-University, Rosalind Franklinstr.10, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Franziska Hopfner
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel Campus, Christian-Albrechts-University, Rosalind Franklinstr.10, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jos Steffen Becktepe
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel Campus, Christian-Albrechts-University, Rosalind Franklinstr.10, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Günther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011 Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel Campus, Christian-Albrechts-University, Rosalind Franklinstr.10, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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Hassan A, van Gerpen JA. Orthostatic Tremor and Orthostatic Myoclonus: Weight-bearing Hyperkinetic Disorders: A Systematic Review, New Insights, and Unresolved Questions. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 6:417. [PMID: 28105385 PMCID: PMC5233784 DOI: 10.7916/d84x584k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthostatic tremor (OT) and orthostatic myoclonus (OM) are weight-bearing hyperkinetic movement disorders most commonly affecting older people that induce "shaky legs" upon standing. OT is divided into "classical" and "slow" forms based on tremor frequency. In this paper, the first joint review of OT and OM, we review the literature and compare and contrast their demographic, clinical, electrophysiological, neuroimaging, pathophysiological, and treatment characteristics. METHODS A PubMed search up to July 2016 using the phrases "orthostatic tremor," "orthostatic myoclonus," "shaky legs," and "shaky legs syndrome" was performed. RESULTS OT and OM should be suspected in older patients reporting unsteadiness with prolonged standing and/or who exhibit cautious, wide-based gaits. Surface electromyography (SEMG) is necessary to verify the diagnoses. Functional neuroimaging and electrophysiology suggest the generator of classical OT lies within the cerebellothalamocortical network. For OM, and possibly slow OT, the frontal, subcortical cerebrum is the most likely origin. Clonazepam is the most useful medication for classical OT, and levetiracetam for OM, although results are often disappointing. Deep brain stimulation appears promising for classical OT. Rolling walkers reliably improve gait affected by these disorders, as both OT and OM attenuate when weight is transferred from the legs to the arms. DISCUSSION Orthostatic hyperkinesias are likely underdiagnosed, as SEMG is often unavailable in clinical practice, and thus may be more frequent than currently recognized. The shared weight-bearing induction of OT and OM may indicate a common pathophysiology. Further research, including use of animal models, is necessary to better define the prevalence and pathophysiology of OT and OM, in order to improve their treatment, and provide additional insights into basic balance and gait mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhar Hassan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Renaud M, Marcel C, Rudolf G, Schaeffer M, Lagha-Boukbiza O, Chanson JB, Chelly J, Anheim M, Tranchant C. A step toward essential tremor gene discovery: identification of extreme phenotype and screening of HTRA2 and ANO3. BMC Neurol 2016; 16:238. [PMID: 27881096 PMCID: PMC5120508 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-016-0748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Essential tremor (ET) is characterized by a frequent family history. No monogenic form of ET has been identified. We aimed at exploring ET patients to identify distinct subgroups and facilitate the identification of ET genes. We tested for the presence of HTRA2 p.G399S, and ANO3 p. W490C, p. R484 W and p. S685G mutations. Methods Between June 2011 and November 2013, all consecutive patients suspected with ET were prospectively included in a prospective, monocentric study. Family history, age at onset (AAO), features of tremor, benefit of alcohol and drugs, electrophysiological recording findings were collected. Sanger sequencing was performed for HTRA2 and ANO3 mutations screening. Results Sixty eight patients were investigated. Fourteen diagnosed with psychogenic (5) or dystonic tremor (9) were excluded. Regarding the 54 ET patients, mean AAO was 48 years (6–77), and mean disease duration 15 years (1–55). Bimodal distribution of AAO was consistent with phenotypic subgroups. In patients with AAO before 30 years, marked benefit of alcohol (p < 0.01) and ET family history (p < 0.01) were more frequent and the disease progression less severe (p < 0.0001). Neither HTRA2 nor ANO3 mutation were identified in our patients. Conclusions Our data support that distinct ET phenotypic subgroups may be encountered. We recommend to study separately extreme phenotypes of ET, particularly autosomal dominant families with early AAO (<30 years) and marked benefit of alcohol, to facilitate the identification of ET genes. Electromyographic recording remains a support to distinguish ET from differential diagnosis. HTRA2 and ANO3 mutations are not common causes of ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Renaud
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Hospital of Hautepierre, 1 avenue Molière, 67098, Strasbourg Cedex, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM-U964/CNRS-UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, 67404, Illkirch, France
| | - Christophe Marcel
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Hospital of Hautepierre, 1 avenue Molière, 67098, Strasbourg Cedex, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gabrielle Rudolf
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Hospital of Hautepierre, 1 avenue Molière, 67098, Strasbourg Cedex, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM-U964/CNRS-UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, 67404, Illkirch, France
| | - Mickaël Schaeffer
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Département d'informations médicales, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, Hôpital civil, 1 place de l'Hôpital, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ouhaïd Lagha-Boukbiza
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Hospital of Hautepierre, 1 avenue Molière, 67098, Strasbourg Cedex, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Chanson
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Hospital of Hautepierre, 1 avenue Molière, 67098, Strasbourg Cedex, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jamel Chelly
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM-U964/CNRS-UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, 67404, Illkirch, France.,Service de Diagnostic génétique, Nouvel hôpital civil, 67000, Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Anheim
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Hospital of Hautepierre, 1 avenue Molière, 67098, Strasbourg Cedex, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM-U964/CNRS-UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, 67404, Illkirch, France
| | - Christine Tranchant
- Service of Neurology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Hospital of Hautepierre, 1 avenue Molière, 67098, Strasbourg Cedex, France. .,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. .,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM-U964/CNRS-UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, 67404, Illkirch, France.
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Knowledge gaps and research recommendations for essential tremor. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2016; 33:27-35. [PMID: 27769649 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Essential tremor (ET) is a common cause of significant disability, but its etiologies and pathogenesis are poorly understood. Research has been hampered by the variable definition of ET and by non-standardized research approaches. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (USA) invited experts in ET and related fields to discuss current knowledge, controversies, and gaps in our understanding of ET and to develop recommendations for future research. Discussion focused on phenomenology and phenotypes, therapies and clinical trials, pathophysiology, pathology, and genetics. Across all areas, the need for collaborative and coordinated research on a multinational level was expressed. Standardized data collection using common data elements for genetic, clinical, neurophysiological, and pathological studies was recommended. Large cohorts of patients should be studied prospectively to collect bio-samples, characterize the natural history of the clinical syndrome including patient-oriented outcomes, investigate potential etiologies of various phenotypes, and identify pathophysiological mechanisms. In particular, cellular and system-level mechanisms of tremor oscillations should be elucidated because they may yield effective therapeutic targets and biomarkers. A neuropathology consortium was recommended to standardize postmortem analysis and further characterize neuropathological observations in the cerebellum and elsewhere. Furthermore, genome-wide association studies on large patient cohorts (>10,000 patients) may allow the identification of common genes contributing to risk, and whole exome or genome sequencing may enable the identification of genetic risk and causal mutations in cohorts and well-characterized families.
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24
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Robertson EE, Hall DA, McAsey AR, O'Keefe JA. Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: phenotypic comparisons with other movement disorders. Clin Neuropsychol 2016; 30:849-900. [PMID: 27414076 PMCID: PMC7336900 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2016.1202239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to review the typical cognitive and motor impairments seen in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), essential tremor (ET), Parkinson disease (PD), spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in order to enhance diagnosis of FXTAS patients. METHODS We compared the cognitive and motor phenotypes of FXTAS with each of these other movement disorders. Relevant neuropathological and neuroimaging findings are also reviewed. Finally, we describe the differences in age of onset, disease severity, progression rates, and average lifespan in FXTAS compared to ET, PD, SCAs, MSA, and PSP. We conclude with a flow chart algorithm to guide the clinician in the differential diagnosis of FXTAS. RESULTS By comparing the cognitive and motor phenotypes of FXTAS with the phenotypes of ET, PD, SCAs, MSA, and PSP we have clarified potential symptom overlap while elucidating factors that make these disorders unique from one another. In summary, the clinician should consider a FXTAS diagnosis and testing for the Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene premutation if a patient over the age of 50 (1) presents with cerebellar ataxia and/or intention tremor with mild parkinsonism, (2) has the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) sign, global cerebellar and cerebral atrophy, and/or subcortical white matter lesions on MRI, or (3) has a family history of fragile X related disorders, intellectual disability, autism, premature ovarian failure and has neurological signs consistent with FXTAS. Peripheral neuropathy, executive function deficits, anxiety, or depression are supportive of the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Distinct profiles in the cognitive and motor domains between these movement disorders may guide practitioners in the differential diagnosis process and ultimately lead to better medical management of FXTAS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Robertson
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Deborah A Hall
- b Department of Neurological Sciences , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Andrew R McAsey
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Joan A O'Keefe
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
- b Department of Neurological Sciences , Rush University , Chicago , IL , USA
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Ondo W. Essential Tremor: What We Can Learn from Current Pharmacotherapy. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2016; 6:356. [PMID: 26989572 PMCID: PMC4790207 DOI: 10.7916/d8k35tc3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of essential tremor, especially at the cellular level, is poorly understood. Although no drug has been specifically designed to treat essential tremor, several medications improve tremor, and others worsen it. Studying the mechanism of actions of these medications can help our understanding of tremor pathophysiology and contribute to future rational drug design. METHODS We reviewed literature, concentrating on mechanisms of action, of various medications that mitigate tremor. RESULTS Many medications have multiple mechanisms of actions, making simple correlations difficult. Medications that increase the duration of opening of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptors are most consistently associated with tremor improvement. Interestingly, drugs that increase GABA availability have not been associated with improved tremor. Other mechanisms possibly associated with tremor improvement include antagonism of alpha-2 delta subunits associated with calcium channels, inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, and inhibition of the synaptic vesicle protein 2A. Drugs that block voltage-gaited sodium channels do not affect tremor. The ideal beta-adrenergic blocker requires B2 affinity (non-cardiac selective), has no sympathomimetic properties, does not require membrane stabilization properties, and may benefit from good central nervous system penetration. DISCUSSION To date, serendipitous observations have provided most of our understanding of tremor cellular physiology. Based on similarities to currently effective drugs or rational approximations and inferences, several currently available agents should be considered for tremor trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Ondo
- Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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