Botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia
Abstract Background This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in Issue 3, 2004 of The Cochrane Library and previously updated in 2007. The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia is currently the treatment of choice for management of this neurological voice disorder. Over the past 20 years, botulinum […]
Therapeutic interventions for disease progression in Huntington’s disease
Abstract Background Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease with an average onset between the fourth and fifth decade of life; it leads to death 15 to 20 years after the onset of symptoms. Although several drugs seem effective in controlling the incapacitating manifestations of HD, no specific therapy is known. The present […]
Therapeutic interventions for symptomatic treatment in Huntington’s disease
Abstract Background Huntington’s disease (HD) is an orphan autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by the amplification of a nucleic acids triplet repeat. It is characterised by core symptoms of chorea, progressive dementia and psychiatric manifestations such as depression, irritability, apathy and psychosis. In current clinical practice, drugs exist that seem to improve symptoms for HD […]
Pimozide for tics in Tourette’s syndrome
Abstract Background Neuroleptic drugs with potent D-2 receptor blocking properties have been the traditional treatment for tics caused by Tourette Syndrome. Pimozide is the most studied of these. Use of these medications is declining because of concerns about side effects, and new atypical neuroleptics are now available. The true benefit and risks associated with pimozide […]
Acupuncture for restless legs syndrome
Abstract Background Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common movement disorder for which patients may seek treatment with acupuncture. However, the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of RLS are unclear and have not been evaluated in a systematic review until now. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy in patients with […]
Dopamine agonist therapy in early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Dopamine agonists are being used increasingly as first line treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but there remains uncertainty about their clinical and cost-effectiveness relative to levodopa. Objectives This meta-analysis aims to quantify more reliably the benefits and risks of dopamine agonists compared to placebo or levodopa in early Parkinson’s disease. Search methods We searched […]
Bromocriptine versus levodopa in early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Drugs that mimic dopamine as bromocriptine were introduced as monotherapy or in combination with LD in the hope that this approach would prevent or delay the onset of motor complications in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, hitherto, the role of bromocriptine (BR) in this issue has remained controversial. Objectives To assess the […]
Bromocriptine/levodopa combined versus levodopa alone for early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Drugs that mimic dopamine, such as bromocriptine (BR), were introduced as monotherapy or in combination with levodopa (LD) in the hope that this approach would prevent or delay the onset of motor complications in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, hitherto, the role of BR has remained controversial. We present a systematic review […]
Occupational therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Despite drug and surgical therapies for Parkinson’s disease, patients develop progressive disability. It has both motor and non-motor symptomatology, and their interaction with their environment can be very complex. The role of the occupational therapist is to support the patient and help them maintain their usual level of self-care, work and leisure activities […]
Cholinesterase inhibitors for Parkinson’s disease dementia
Abstract Background The loss of cholinergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic innervations seen in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) suggest a potential role for cholinesterase inhibitors. Concerns have been expressed about a theoretical worsening of Parkinson’s disease related symptoms, particularly movement symptoms. Objectives To assess the efficacy, safety, tolerability and health economic data relating to the use of […]