Dopamine agonists suppress visual-cortical reflex myoclonus

Abstract

Two patients with a diagnosis of olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy developed cortical reflex myoclonus to visual (flash) and somaesthetic stimuli. Oral treatment with levodopacarbidopa (1000/100 mg) or subcutaneous administration of apomorphine (1 mg) abolished the visually-triggered myoclonus, without modifiying reflex myoclonus to electrical or tactile stimulation. Intravenous administration of lisuride (0·1 mg) produced a marked reduction in both types of reflex myoclonus. These results indicate a selective inhibitory effect of dopamine agonist drugs on visual reflex myoclonus of cortical origin.