T.D.

I am wondering if the use of the newer ssri's, such as zoloft, etc, would ever cause tardive dyskinesia somewhere down the road if a person has to take these meds long term, like for ocd symptoms.
thank you for you time
jessie

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Jessie:

Currently there is no proof that has been published that indicates that long term SSRI use might cause dystonia.  There is some feeling in the movement disorder community that there is a chance that long term use might predispose to dystonia.  However, at this point tardive dyskinesia (type of dystonia) induction and SSRI use is unknown.  There no reports of tardive dyskinesia with the use of SSRIs.

CCF Neuro MD

[Elizabeth Jane]

Doctor,   If there is a slight suggestion that Zoloft could cause dystonia..in which my sister has been diagnoised with for a lot of years now...what are the chances for my 25 year old daughter developing this disease?  She has had a major depression with "complications" and needs to be on a anti-depressant, choice Zoloft!  Does the help for her outweigh the percentage of the chance of having dystonia..I have neuological problems without a difinite diagnois..wait and see only! What are the percentages for this young girl to develop another problem????? E

[Jessie]

Dr. Doctor,
Please answer Elizabeth Jane's question below my post.  I would be very interested, also, on your comments to her question.
Thank you very much,
J.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Elizabeth:

Aren't you glad that people are posting for me to answer your posting, I'm not sure why.  Dystonia can occur for many reasons, and usually the reasons are not medical.  There are genetic causes, systemic diseases, strokes, infections, etc.  I am not sure the etiology of sister's.  The fact that Zoloft causing a dystonic reaction has never been reported in the literature should be reassuring.  There is only a theoretical risk.  There is also a theoretical risk for a comet to strike you dead tomorrow, although it is real the odds are pretty remote.  One can never be sure but unless the reasons for your sister's dystonia is from medication and you and your sister are identical twins, the chances of Zoloft inducing a dystonia are exceedingly rare.

CCF Neuro MD

[Jessie]

Dear Doctor,
Thank you for responding to Elizabeth's post.  Why was I hopeful you'd make a reply to her?
Because I value your opinion very much.  
Thank you again,
Sincerely,
J.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

I hope I helped.

CCF Neuro MD

[Elizabeth Jane to Doctor /Response]

Dear Doctor,  I always value the responses received when posting questions for 4 years now!My sister was dx as a newborn as having cp due to putting her aside as dead but a nurse saw her finger move and they revived her...no symptoms until 6-7 years old when she started having neck spasms/torticollus. I also had a form of neck spasm but it was dx as a miotois(sp) during the polio scare in the 50's. As an adult she has been dx has having focul dystonia which affects her speech, when upset, a form of seizures, her legs are affected as well. I was told that this is an inherited disease.  If so, as I am presenting neuro problems, could I pass this one to her.  Her doctors  have told her that due to our family background heritage, we are more prevelant to have these particular disorders..I do not want my daughter to develop this condition so that is why I inquired from you.  Is there any chance that she or any other family member could develop this condition. I appreciate  your response in advance! E

[CCF Neuro[P] MD,RPS]

Dear Elizabeth:

There are several forms of inherited dystonias.  I can't tell you if you have of these or your dystonia is related to the severe myositis (unlikely).  There are also many types of non-inherited dystonias.  You will need to talk to a neurologist who can do the workup.  It sounds like your sister's dystonia is from hypoxia, which would make it not an inherited type.  I would get a work up to satisfy your concern, but I would guess the dystonia in your family is not genetic.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[To Doctor with thanks! Elizabeth Jane]

Thank you for your response! It was helpful. E

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

you are welcome.

CCF Neuro MD

[Jessie S.]

I have Sturge Weber the birthmark and web are located on the right side of my head.I was wondering what causes my face to be so swollen when I wake up in the mornings after sleeping on that side?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Jessie:

Is the birth mark just a nevus or do you have the venous angioma of Sturge Weber?  If it is just a birth mark, I do not know why you would get edema in that area.  If you have Sturge Weber, it might be the venous angioma causing the problem.  I would check with your neurologist.

CCF Neuro MD

[Jessie S.]

Yes I do have venous angioma of sturge weber (as far as I know)but am always told also, I have Sturge weber.Depending on which doctor I am seeing.When asking my neurologist about this problem several years ago he said to sleep with my head elevated. but this still doesn't seem to help. Along with the swelling I have daily severe headaches.

I thankyou though for your responce. Hopefuly someday I will be able to recieve relief of some sort for these problems.As of right now,I feel I am a good candidate for a University for further studies. I have already had that offer but haven't decided. Do you think I should?

Sencerely,
Jessie

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Jessie:

I can't make a decision for you, you must decide based on what information you have.  I don't know enough about you.

CCF Neuro MD

[Jessie S.]

Due to the situation that I am in, I have decided to go to the University of health and sciences of Oregon.I know you couldn't decide for me, just an opinion. Thankyou for your time.Hopefuly all will be answered for me. I am going to go in soon as I get everything taken care of at home.
Wish me luck!
again,Thankyou!
Jessie S.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD,RPS]

Dear Jessie:

Good luck and I hope things are answered for you.

CCF Neuro MD