Ropinirole patch treatment of nocturnal violent tremor in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients experience nocturnal movement linked to primary sleep disorders. We describe a patient with PD who presented with unusual nocturnal tremor. Frequent, violent tremor during sleep is unusual but can occur in PD, and treatment is likely to be difficult. Nocturnal tremor may result from the on-off phenomenon and can be successfully treated using a long-acting ropinirole patch.

Automated summary

Parkinson's disease patients may experience nocturnal movement related to primary sleep disorders. This case report highlights an unusual occurrence of nocturnal tremor in a patient with PD. Treatment for such tremor can be challenging, but successful with the use of a long-acting ropinirole patch.