High-dosage anticholinergic therapy in dystonia.

Twenty-three children and 52 adults with torsion dystonia of various etiologies and distribution patterns of the involuntary movements were treated in an open-label study with anticholinergic medication. The dosage was build up gradually until there was either benefit or tolerable adverse effect. Trihexyphenidyl was used initially, but beginning in 1979, ethopropazine was utilized in the adult subjects. Significant benefit occurred in 61% of children and in 38% of adults.