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Peripheral beta‐adrenergic blockade treatment of parkinsonian tremor
Author(s) -
Foster Norman L.,
Newman Richard P.,
Lewitt Peter A.,
Gillespie Marjorie M.,
Larsen T. Andreo,
Chase Thomas N.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.410160412
Subject(s) - nadolol , medicine , parkinson's disease , anticholinergic , resting tremor , blockade , anesthesia , placebo , dopaminergic , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , disease , dopamine , propranolol , receptor , alternative medicine , pathology
The effect of nadolol, a peripherally acting beta‐adrenergic blocker, on resting, postural, and intention tremor was examined in 8 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease whose motor symptoms, other than tremor, were well controlled with conventional medications. In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover design, patients received 80 to 320 mg of nadolol for six weeks while continuing their previous therapeutic regimen. Accelerometer readings showed a 34% reduction ( p < 0.025) in tremor distance, but no change in tremor frequency, during nadolol therapy. Maximum benefit was achieved with a dose of 240 mg, when resting tremor improved 54%, postural tremor 32%, and intention tremor 54%. Physician ratings and patient reports supported the accelerometer results. Nadolol appears to be a safe, effective adjunct to current dopaminergic and anticholinergic therapy for severe tremor in Parkinson's disease.