Is the glabellar reflex a component of neuroleptic-induced Parkinsonism?.

Abstract

Introduction. Some neurological findings have been attributed to neuroleptics as secondary manifestations of psychotic disorders.
Objective. In the current study, the role of the glabelar sign was evaluated as a clinical component of the secondary parkinsonism induced by neuroleptics.
Materials And Methods. Patients with psychosis having secondary parkinsonism induced by neuroleptics were evaluated with the Simpson-Angus Rating Scale for extrapyramidal side effects. The contribution of the glabelar syndrome in the overall syndrome was evaluated using factor analysis methods.
Results. One hundred three patients having secondary parkinsonism induced by neuroleptics were evaluated. The sample had nearly equal gender representation: with 52.4% women. A majority of patients had received haloperidol as antipsychotic treatment. Bipolar disorders and schizophrenia were the most frequent diagnostic groups. The item corresponding to glabelar sign showed the lower average inter item covariance and the higher uniqueness score. Cronbach alpha scores increased when the item corresponding to glabelar sign was retired from the scale.
Conclusions. These results suggested that glabelar sign measures a condition different from secondary parkinsonism induced by neuroleptics. This clinical finding is not recommended for evaluating the evolution of neurological response to neuroleptics, however.