First investigations on dystonia musculorum deformans in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

We believe that there is something in the island of Panay which somehow affects the basal ganglia and produces this dystonia syndrome, but the precise nature of this remains obscure at present. Many questions are raised in our minds about these cases of Dystonia Musculorum Deformans from Panay. What are the possible causative factors? Are there any biochemical abnormalities or genetic distinctions among these cases? Recently, toxicity to manganese and other heavy metals have been disclosed to present dystonia-like syndromes. Is there a peculiar concentration of any of these substances in the water and foodstuffs of Panay? What can we do for these patients? Seeing as how they respond very little to the standard anti-Parkinsonian drugs, and surgery is beneficial only in the hands of the expert few, what have we to offer these individuals by way of therapy? It is hoped that this first study will pave the way for further investigation of this interesting and rare condition. Perhaps, we may yet unravel the mystery of this disease which afflicts the inhabitants of Panay, and then we may be nearer to helping not only these people but all others affected with this movement disorder. (Comment)