Increased blink rate in advanced Parkinson's disease: a form of 'off'-period dystonia?

Mov Disord. 2000 Sep;15(5):982-5. doi: 10.1002/1531-8257(200009)15:5<982::aid-mds1033>3.0.co;2-p.

Abstract

Blink rates were measured in 25 patients with fluctuating Parkinson's disease in the "off' and "on" periods. In 17 patients, the "off"-period blink rate was low and increased after administration of levodopa. In the remaining eight patients, the "off"-period blink rate was high and returned to normal levels after levodopa. It is suggested that increased blink rate in the latter group represents a new form of "off"-period dystonia.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antiparkinson Agents / pharmacology*
  • Blinking / drug effects*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Dystonia / drug therapy
  • Dystonia / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / complications
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Levodopa