Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (Sep 2024)

Case report: Levodopa challenge test is important in identifying dopamine-induced freezing of gait in patient with Parkinson’s disease

  • Shan-Shan Xu,
  • Shi-Guo Zhu,
  • Cheng-Xiang Yuan,
  • Guo-Ling Zeng,
  • Xiao-Tian Li,
  • Rong-Pei Liu,
  • Shi-Shi Huang,
  • Xiong Zhang,
  • Jian-Yong Wang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2024.1464152
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18

Abstract

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IntroductionFreezing of gait (FOG) is a disabling and heterogeneous symptom in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Among them, dopamine-induced FOG is rare and difficult to identify. The treatment of dopamine-induced FOG is complex.Case presentationWe herein presented a case of PD patient who complicated with refractory FOG. It was identified as dopamine-induced FOG during levodopa challenge test. Her symptoms were alleviated after we reduced the total equivalent dosage of levodopa.ConclusionOur report emphasizes the importance of levodopa challenge test in identifying different types of FOG, which is very important for further adjusting treatment.

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