Martha J Quiroga1, David W Carroll2, Thomas M Brown3. 1. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, USA. 2. Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Administration Center, San Antonio, TX, USA. 3. Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Administration Center, San Antonio, TX, USA thomas.brown5@va.gov.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Parkinsonism rapidly responsive to intravenous replacement of vitamin C and zinc. CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old man with Parkinsonism, pleural effusion, and bipolar disorder was found to have low serum vitamin C and zinc levels. Intravenous replacement of these micronutrients led to resolution of the movement disorder in less than 24 hours. DISCUSSION: Parkinsonism has been associated with vitamin C deficiency, and recent cases of scurvy complicated by Parkinsonism have responded well to intravenous replacement of vitamin C. In this case, deficiency of zinc may have contributed to the development of a movement disorder. The likely pathophysiology of, and treatment recommendations for, Parkinsonism linked to deficiencies of vitamin C and zinc are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas vitamin C has a strong link with Parkinsonism, the potential role of zinc has only been suspected. This case report highlights some of the potential links between zinc deficiency and Parkinsonism.
OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Parkinsonism rapidly responsive to intravenous replacement of vitamin C and zinc. CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old man with Parkinsonism, pleural effusion, and bipolar disorder was found to have low serum vitamin C and zinc levels. Intravenous replacement of these micronutrients led to resolution of the movement disorder in less than 24 hours. DISCUSSION: Parkinsonism has been associated with vitamin C deficiency, and recent cases of scurvy complicated by Parkinsonism have responded well to intravenous replacement of vitamin C. In this case, deficiency of zinc may have contributed to the development of a movement disorder. The likely pathophysiology of, and treatment recommendations for, Parkinsonism linked to deficiencies of vitamin C and zinc are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas vitamin C has a strong link with Parkinsonism, the potential role of zinc has only been suspected. This case report highlights some of the potential links between zinc deficiency and Parkinsonism.