Dystonia: treatment with bromocriptine

As with parkinsonism, certain dystonias may involve disturbances in dopaminergic neurotransmission. The effects of bromocriptine, 18-150 mg/day (mean, 72.5), were studied in 15 patients with a variety of dystonic disorders, using a double-blind, crossover format. Of the 13 patients completing several weeks of medication, seven improved more than 10% and two worsened, on clinical ratings, while five recognized improvement in disability. Dopaminomimetic agents such as bromocriptine, used in the dose range effective for treating parkinsonism, may yield symptomatic improvement with several patterns of dystonia.