Reversible parkinsonism following ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a patient with obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to intraventricular neurocysticercosis

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2008 Jul;110(7):718-21. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2008.03.008. Epub 2008 Apr 25.

Abstract

Parkinsonism with evidence of midbrain dysfunction has been reported in a few patients with aqueductal stenosis after placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. The response to levodopa is variable. We report a patient with neurocysticercosis of the fourth ventricle who developed transient parkinsonism without evidence of midbrain dysfunction after placement of a VP shunt. The frequency of tremor was 5-5.5 Hz. Though the response to levodopa was initially slow, later it was significant, and after 3 months he was asymptomatic without levodopa. The exact pathophysiology of parkinsonism in our patient remained obscure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cerebral Ventricles / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology*
  • Hydrocephalus / pathology
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Neurocysticercosis / complications*
  • Neurocysticercosis / diagnosis
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / drug therapy
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / etiology*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / pathology
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / methods

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Levodopa