Fluctuations in tremor and respiration in patients with Parkinson's disease

Fluctuations in tremor were investigated in patients with Parkinson's disease. Two patients with fluctuations of tremor (H and V) and one patient with no fluctuations in tremor (C) were tested. Blood pressure, ECG, respiration and tremor were recorded continuously for 5 min while the patients were relaxing with eyes closed, performing subtractions mentally or listening to a story. Results indicate the presence of abrupt transitions in both tremor and respiration for patients H and V. In patient V the fluctuations appear to be simultaneous, in patient H a delay exists between the onset of fluctuations in respiration and the fluctuations in tremor. In Patient C, no fluctuation was recorded in either respiration or tremor. Although the mechanisms underlying these fluctuations are not yet understood, this preliminary study has begun to characterize the qualitative changes occurring in tremor and respiratory patterns associated with Parkinson's disease. Such an approach combined with the knowledge that some temporal rhythms respond best to certain treatment strategies, may provide a new basis for therapy.