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Dopamine agonist therapy for neglect in humans
W S Fleet1, E Valenstein, R T Watson
1Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
Neurology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Dopamine agonist bromocriptine improved neglect symptoms in two human patients. Symptoms worsened upon withdrawal, suggesting dopamine agonists may help treat neglect.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
Background:
- Ascending dopaminergic pathway lesions cause neglect in animal models.
- Dopamine receptor agonists, like apomorphine, reduce neglect severity in rats with cortical lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of dopamine agonist therapy in human patients with neglect.
Main Methods:
- Two patients with neglect (one chronic, one acute) received daily bromocriptine (15 mg) for 3-4 weeks.
- Neglect was assessed using line, letter, and geometric figure cancellation tasks.
- Symptom changes were monitored during treatment and after withdrawal.
Main Results:
- Both patients showed significant improvement in neglect tests during bromocriptine therapy.
- Neglect symptoms worsened after bromocriptine withdrawal in both patients.
- No adverse effects were reported by either patient.
Conclusions:
- This open trial suggests dopamine agonist therapy may be beneficial for treating human neglect.
- Larger, controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore therapeutic potential.