| abstract |
The present invention describes novel treatments for movement disorders, including tardive dyskinesia and tardive dystonia, tic disorders, Tourette's syndrome, and blepharospasm, and other focal dystonias. The treatments of the present invention utilize agents that simultaneously act as NMDA-type glutamate receptor antagonists. Additionally, the treatments of the present invention utilize agents that simultaneously act as NMDA-type glutamate receptor antagonists and GABA-A receptor agonists. Preferably these two activities are characteristic of a single agent, for example acamprosate. Alternatively, separate agents having these activities can be combined and administered together. The invention also provides a third agent that can be used in combination with a treatment for movement disorders, that acts as a non-competitive NMDA-receptor blocking agent or ion channel blocker that augments the effect of the primary treatment. A particularly preferred ion channel blocking agent is magnesium. Alternatively, magnesium can be administered alone for prevention and treatment of movement disorders. |