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Published on: December 13, 2017
Holmes tremor after brainstem hemorrhage, treated with levodopa.
Jae Hyun Woo1, Bo Young Hong, Joon Sung Kim
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, St. Vincent Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
|September 11, 2013
Summary
Holmes tremor, a rare movement disorder, can stem from brainstem issues. This case study suggests levodopa may offer relief for Holmes tremor, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Holmes tremor is a rare, low-frequency resting tremor often linked to brainstem lesions.
- It presents atypically, differing from essential tremor or Parkinson's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of Holmes tremor following brainstem hemorrhage.
- To evaluate treatment responses, particularly to dopaminergic agents.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 70-year-old female with brainstem hemorrhage.
- Clinical observation of tremor characteristics (frequency, posture, exacerbation).
- Assessment of response to propranolol, clonazepam, and levodopa.
Main Results:
- The patient developed a 1-2 Hz resting tremor in the head and arm after right brachium pontis and midbrain hemorrhage.
- Initial treatments with propranolol and clonazepam were ineffective.
- Gradual improvement was observed with levodopa administration.
Conclusions:
- Levodopa may be a potential therapeutic option for Holmes tremor.
- Further investigation into the efficacy of dopaminergic agents for Holmes tremor is warranted.
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