Improvement of levodopa-induced dyskinesia by propranolol in Parkinson's disease

Neurology. 1996 Jun;46(6):1548-51. doi: 10.1212/wnl.46.6.1548.

Abstract

Seven patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) with severely disabling dyskinesia received low-dose propranolol as an adjunct to the currently used medical treatment. There was a significant 40% improvement in the dyskinesia score without increase of parkinsonian motor disability. Ballistic and choreic dyskinesia were markedly ameliorated, whereas dystonia was not. This study suggests that administration of low doses of beta-blockers may improve levodopa-induced ballistic and choreic dyskinesia in PD.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / adverse effects*
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Movement Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Movement Disorders / etiology
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Levodopa
  • Propranolol