L-dopa in Parkinsonism associated with cerebellar dysfunction (probable olivopontocerebellar degeneration)

Two patients with combined cerebellar and Parkinsonian features consistent with olivopontocerebellar degeneration were treated with long term oral l-dopa. Both patients showed improvement of the Parkinsonian symptoms but the cerebellar symptoms were unchanged. It is suggested that the Parkinsonian manifestations of this syndrome are related to loss of dopamine in the striatum secondary to lesions of the substantia nigra. It is suggested that other patients with similar disorders should be given a trial with l-dopa.