Intravenous Levodopa for the Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
Intravenous Levodopa for the Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
Patients with Parkinson's disease have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine
 is responsible for motor function and normal physical activity. Patients with Parkinson's
 disease typically suffer from tremors, rigid muscles, stooped postures, and walk with a
 shuffle. The drug levodopa acts as a replacement for dopamine and has been has been used
 effectively for over 30 years as treatment for Parkinsons disease. Because of its
 effectiveness, levodopa has been used to distinguish Parkinson's disease from other
 conditions that may resemble Parkinson's disease.

 Traditionally, levodopa has been given as a pill. In this study, researchers would like to
 inject levodopa directly into a vein (intravenous) in order to diagnose cases of Parkinson's
 disease. This method provides immediate results and allows doctors to adjust the dose of
 levodopa very carefully. Because the intravenous method of giving levodopa is less practical
 than oral medication, it is not an available alternative for the routine treatment of
 Parkinson's disease. However, it may be useful for faster diagnosis of the disease and for
 determining effective doses of oral medication.
A positive response to levodopa is now considered a condition sine qua non for the diagnosis
 of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Under this protocol, patients with parkinsonism of
 uncertain etiology will be tested for their motor response to intravenous levodopa to aid in
 the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. This protocol regulates and stipulates the acute
 administration of intravenous levodopa and associated safety issues.
All patients will have parkinsonism of undetermined etiology.

 Males and females between the ages of 18 and 85 are eligible for the study.

 No presence or history of any medical condition that can reasonably be expected to subject
 the patient to unwarranted risks, specifically those who have the following: a history of
 convulsive, hepatic, or renal disorders; currently receiving treatment for myocardial
 infarction, arrhythmia or cardiac failure; and pregnant women or anyone not practicing an
 effective means of birth control.