SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD-ONSET SYMPTOMATIC DYSTONIA WITH LEVODOPA

Three patients with childhood onset symptomatic dystonia responded to levodopa. None fulfilled criteria for a diagnosis of ''dopa responsive dystonia'' (Segawa's disease). One may have had athetoid cerebral palsy for almost 25 years. All obtained dramatic and sustained benefit from levodopa therapy. A therapeutic trial of levodopa is advised in all patients in whom dystonia has developed in childhood or early adult life, regardless of suspected aetiology or duration of symptoms.