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Movement disorders in alcoholism: a review
J Neiman1, A E Lang, L Fornazzari
1Neurology Program, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
Neurology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Alcohol abuse can cause various movement disorders, including tremor and cerebellar dysfunction. Alcohol withdrawal may also lead to temporary basal ganglia issues like parkinsonism.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Alcohol abuse is frequently linked to a diverse range of neurological impairments.
- Certain idiopathic movement disorders show a paradoxical improvement with low alcohol doses, potentially contributing to alcohol dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentations and underlying pathophysiology of movement disorders associated with alcohol abuse.
- To differentiate alcohol-induced movement disorders from those seen in acquired hepatolenticular degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on clinical studies and case reports.
- Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms linking alcohol consumption to neurological dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Alcohol abuse can induce tremors, asterixis, and cerebellar dysfunction, alone or with hepatic encephalopathy.
- Alcohol withdrawal can transiently cause basal ganglia dysfunction, presenting as parkinsonism or chorea.
- These alcohol-related syndromes are distinct from movement disorders in acquired hepatolenticular degeneration.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol abuse significantly impacts motor function, leading to a spectrum of movement disorders.
- Understanding these syndromes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in patients with alcohol use disorder.