What is dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD)?
The term dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) is applied to several disorders characterized by stiff movement, abnormal gait, and sometimes abnormal mouth movements. These abnormalities are often severe, especially in the afternoon. It can be considered a form of childhood Parkinson's disease. Because DRD is a rare disease, patients who have it are often misdiagnosed as having Cerebral Palsy.
DRD is caused by an inadequate supply of dopamine to the brain. The disease can be treated successfully with dopa therapy. Other forms of dystonia may not respond to dopa therapy, but may be treated with other therapies.
Gracie and Harrison Colgrove's story
Read about how Gracie and Harrison Colgrove's parents worked with our team to diagnose and treat DRD.
What are the symptoms?
- Developmental motor delay (for example, slowness in walking and other motor skills)
- Tremor associated with movement, particularly in hands and arms
- Muscle stiffness and rigidity causing balance difficulties
- Abnormal tongue and mouth movements
- Parkinsonian symptoms, including a "mask-like" appearance in which facial muscles are slow to respond to changes in emotion
- Worsening of all symptoms later in the afternoon
- Onset of symptoms in childhood
My child has some of these symptoms. What's my next step?
For several important reasons, it is best to make a definitive diagnosis of DRD based on the results of important blood or spinal fluid tests, rather than just trying dopa therapy.
To do this properly, patients with DRD will probably need the services of a multi-specialty facility like ours, or another academic medical center. Patients who seek services here receive the attention of not just one doctor, but a team of specialists from a range of disciplines, all focusing their attention and their training on the problem at hand.
Referrals for specialty care generally need to be made by your primary care provider or pediatrician.
If you think your family member may be suffering from DRD, discuss the symptoms above with your doctor. If your doctor agrees that a consultation with a specialist is in order, he or she can make the referral to us or to a facility in your area. To be referred here, we require the following information from your physician:
- Your child’s medical records from the onset of the illness or first sign of symptoms
- A note describing your child’s current condition
- Records of MRI scans
- Records of blood and urine studies
- Records of skin and muscle biopsies
- Records of spinal tap results
- A note naming the current diagnosis that your physician has given your family member’s condition and the evidence making that diagnosis
How you can help support this work
Many families benefit from the important research and efforts of physicians like Dr. Filiano and the Neurometabolism Program. You can help this research effort by making a gift to CHaD today. With your financial support, CHaD can continue to provide world-class medical care for children.
Additional links
- Colgrove Dopa Responsive Dystonia
- Dystonia Medical Research Foundation