Sway patterns in a case of orthostatic tremor responsive to alcohol.
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.
Bacsi
Ann M
AM
Institute of Neurological Sciences and UNSW Clinical School, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Halmagyi
G Michael
GM
Colebatch
James G
JG
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004244:Dizziness / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004576:Electromyography; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005684:Gait / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D014202:Tremor / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000431:Ethanol