Palatal tremor after lithium and carbamazepine use: a case report

• Main Authors: Kuruvilla Anju, Mahasuar Rajnarayan, Jacob KS
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-06-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/4/1/176

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Palatal tremor, characterized by rhythmic contractions of the soft palate, can occur secondary to pathology in the dentato-rubro-olivary pathway, or in the absence of such structural lesions. Its pathogenesis is only partially understood. We describe a case of probable drug-induced palatal tremor.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 27-year-old Indian man had taken carbamazepine and lithium for 7 years for the treatment of a manic episode. He presented with a one-year history of bilateral rhythmic oscillations of his soft palate and tremors of his tongue. There were no other abnormalities detected from his examination or after detailed investigation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Palatal tremors may result from medication used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.</p>