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Sway patterns in a case of orthostatic tremor responsive to alcohol
Author(s) -
Bacsi Ann M.,
Halmagyi G. Michael,
Colebatch James G.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.20230
Subject(s) - orthostatic vital signs , physical medicine and rehabilitation , alcohol , psychology , medicine , audiology , biochemistry , chemistry , blood pressure
We describe changes in the extent of sway in a man with orthostatic tremor (OT) who reported increased stability after alcohol. He was tested at baseline and again after 40 g (0.5 g/kg) of alcohol. These results were compared to those of 3 age‐matched controls (no alcohol). The patient's baseline sway was greater than controls, larger in the lateral than the anteroposterior plane, but retained normal responsiveness to the use of external support, increasing stance width, and vision. Tremor frequency significantly decreased after alcohol, as did low‐ and high‐frequency tremor amplitude and the extent of body sway. Despite these findings, sway remained greater than controls. OT thus may show functionally important alcohol responsiveness. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society