Stereotactic Thalamotomy and L-dopa Induced Involuntary Movement in Parkinsonism

Abstract

(1) We investigated 121 Parkinsonian patients on L-dopa, from the standpoint of L-dopa induced involuntary movements. 94 cases had undergone stereotactic operation previously, unilaterally or bilaterally. (2) 29 cases among these 121 patients developed L-dopa induced involuntary movement. (3) Post-encephalitic Parkinsonian patients are more likely to be subject to this side effect. (4) Stereotactic thalamotomy (or Thalamopallidotomy) is helpful not only in diminishing Parkinsonian tremor or rigidity but also to prevent L-dopa induced involuntary movement, as this procedure definitely stops drug induced dyskinesia of the “operated” limbs. © 1973, The Japan Neurosurgical Society. All rights reserved.