Clozapine in hemiballismus: report of two cases

Clin Neuropharmacol. 1997 Apr;20(2):171-4. doi: 10.1097/00002826-199704000-00010.

Abstract

Hemiballism is a relatively rare hyperkinetic disorder; treatment is based mainly on neuroleptics and drugs that decrease release of dopamine. We report the cases of two patients with hemiballism. After a period of 1 month of nonresponsiveness to haloperidol, amelioration of ballistic movements was observed only a few days after the initiation of clozapine therapy (50 mg/day). Our report suggests that clozapine may be a valuable alternative for patients with hemiballism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clozapine / therapeutic use*
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Movement Disorders / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine