Alien Limb Syndrome Responsive to Amantadine in a Patient with Corticobasal Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder associated with parkinsonism and alien limb syndrome. Dressing and ideomotor apraxia were reportedly responsive to amantadine. Case Report: A 79-year-old female was referred for evaluation of right hemiparesis. Neurological examination showed dementia, normal ocular movements, mild facial hypomimia, and bradykinesia with right hemiparesis. Nine years later, she developed alien limb syndrome and was diagnosed with CBS. After failure to respond to several medications, alien limb syndrome markedly improved with amantadine. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a consistent response of severe, forced dystonic alien limb syndrome to amantadine in a patient with CBS.

Unilateral neglect or alien hand syndrome? A diagnostic challenge

“…Despite the lack of evidence of pharmacological intervention in the treatment of AHS, amantadine has been documented to be used in frontal AHS therapeutic management. 8 Besides medication, environmental modifications have also been suggested to reduce the risk of injury. Generally, the rehabilitation approach is geared to the individual needs of the patient and targeted at the improvement of the patient's participation in activities of daily living.…”