Hemidystonia after Pontine Hemorrhage Successfully Treated with Pharmacotherapy and Intensive Rehabilitation: a Case Report

ABSTRACT

Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary contraction of muscles resulting in repetitive or twisting movements. Dystonia is generally caused by basal ganglia dysfunction.Recent studies have reported an association between dystonia and brainstem disorders. However, the pathological mechanism is uncertain, and detailed management strategies are limited. Here, we report a case of hemidystonia with abnormal posture and impaired proprioception after pontine hemorrhage that was effectively treated with pharmacotherapy combined with early intensive comprehensive rehabilitation. A 45-year-old man presented with abnormal posture and dystonic movement in the right hand and foot after a pontine hemorrhagic stroke. Pharmacotherapy with clonazepam and benztropine was administered, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs were implemented intensively from the early stages of symptom onset. After 3 months, the patient was able to walk independently, go up and down a few stairs without the use of a handrail, and was able to perform activities of daily living with minimal assistance.