Levodopa challenge test: indications, protocol, and guide.

Gerard Saranza, Anthony E Lang

Journal of neurology 2021 Sep

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A drug challenge test in Parkinson's disease, such as the levodopa challenge test (LCT), is an easy and generally safe procedure, which has been used by clinicians for various indications. The results of the test have significant implications in the management of patients, from preoperative evaluation for deep brain stimulation to providing the basis for medication adjustments to address motor or non-motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. This paper reviews the different indications and protocols commonly used in an acute LCT. Potential complications of the procedure and an overview of levodopa responsiveness and unresponsiveness are also discussed. © 2020. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.