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Pisa syndrome. Report of a case
M Amore1, M Cerisoli, S Campanile
1Istituto di Clinica Psichiatrica, Università di Bologna.
Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Pisa syndrome, a rare side effect of antipsychotic therapy, involves trunk dystonia. This case highlights the challenge of managing both schizophrenic and dystonic symptoms when antipsychotics are withdrawn and readministered.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Pisa syndrome is a rare condition characterized by involuntary trunk flexion and rotation.
- It is often associated with prolonged antipsychotic medication use.
Observation:
- A patient with Pisa syndrome experienced symptom improvement upon antipsychotic withdrawal.
- However, this led to a severe exacerbation of underlying schizophrenic symptoms.
Findings:
- Readministration of neuroleptic therapy, necessary for schizophrenia management, resulted in the recurrence of Pisa syndrome symptoms.
- Anticholinergic medications provided only minimal relief for the dystonic symptoms.
Implications:
- This case underscores the complex relationship between antipsychotic treatment and Pisa syndrome.
- It highlights the difficulty in balancing the management of psychiatric disorders and medication-induced side effects.