March 19, 2002

Hair loss in Parkinson's could be reversible

Susan Aldridge, PhD

Changing medication for Parkinson's disease can reverse the hair loss that sometimes occurs as a side effect.

Hair loss is a common response to cancer chemotherapy but it's probably less well known as a side effect of treatments for Parkinson's disease. In this condition, loss of the brain chemical dopamine leads to problems with control of movement. Current treatments are geared toward restoring dopamine levels.

In a report from neurologists in New York the cases of two women are described. One was taking the drug pramipexole, and experienced hair loss. But this was reversed when she was switched to another medication, ropinirole.

In the second case, the patient's hair loss persisted through treatment with various doses of both drugs, but stopped when she changed to carbidopa/levodopa. It's a useful pointer for neurologists to fine-tune the drug treatment they give to people with Parkinson's disease. For many, hair loss is just the 'last straw' and has a hugely negative impact on quality of life. If changing medication can reverse hair loss, it's well worth trying.

Source
Neurology March 2002