Novel use of levodopa in human immunodeficiency virus encephalopathy-mediated parkinsonism in an adult

M. Devine, C. Herrin, W. Warnack, D. Dubey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report a case of a 36-year-old man with a medical history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who presented with hypomimia, hypophonia, bradykinesia, rigidity, and freezing of gait. His clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with HIV encephalopathy with involvement of the bilateral basal ganglia and diffuse leukoencephalopathy. We initiated a trial of carbidopa-levodopa. The dose was escalated to 1050 mg levodopa daily. Amantadine was also started. The patient was closely monitored for behavioral, neurological, or systemic side effects. He tolerated therapy well without adverse effects. The patient's neurological status significantly improved with levodopa, including hypomimia, hypophonia, bradykinesia, and fluidity of gait. This case demonstrates that carbidopa-levodopa can be safely utilized to manage parkinsonism in an adult patient with HIV encephalopathy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)53-55
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Postgraduate Medicine
Volume64
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

Keywords

  • AIDS dementia complex
  • gait apraxia
  • human immunodeficiency virus
  • levodopa
  • parkinsonian disorder

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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