For Patients

Physicians and researchers at the Collaborative Center for X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP) are investigating the use of medications to treat the symptoms of XDP.

Doctors speaking in a hallway
Drs. Ellen Penney and Ann Hunt, members of the Mass General clinical team.

There are several medicines that are being investigated as treatments for XDP

  • Parkinsonian symptoms can be alleviated with the use of medication, primarily carbidopa/levodopa and anticholinergic agents
  • Zolpidem may be of benefit in relieving jaw dystonia
  • Injection of botulinum toxin is also effective in alleviating dystonia in discrete body regions, such as the jaw or neck