What is Parkinsonism?
Parkinsonism refers to any condition that causes a combination of the movement abnormalities seen in Parkinson’s disease — such as tremors, slow movement, impaired speech or muscle stiffness — resulting from the loss of dopamine-containing nerve cells (neurons). The most common cause of parkinsonism is Parkinson’s disease. But not everyone who has parkinsonism has Parkinson’s disease. Other causes of parkinsonism include: • Stroke • Encephalitis, inflammation of the brain usually caused by infection • Meningitis, inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord • Progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare degenerative brain disorder • Multiple systems atrophy, a degenerative disorder that destroys nerve tissue • Corticobasal degeneration, a rare neurological disease • Certain medications, such as some antipsychotics and metoclopramide • Head trauma, isolated or repeated, such as injuries sustained in boxing No definitive tests exist for parkinsonism or Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinsonism is a broad term that is used to describe a condition where an individual exhibits symptoms that are common to Parkinson’s disease. The individual may be suffering from either atypical Parkinson’s or secondary Parkinson’s, or the symptoms may be the result of a reaction to one or more medications. There are four primary symptoms that indicate the presence of Parkinsonism in some fashion. A diagnosis of Parkinsonism usually involves the exhibition of at least three of four essential symptoms. First, the individual may be experiencing tremors that he or she cannot contain. Next, a slowing of motor skills known as hypokinesia may be present. Third, the individual may find any type of movement hard to initiate, resulting in rigidity. Last, postural instability or an inability to maintain proper posture may occur. Parkinson’s Syndrome may indicate that Parkinson’s disease is in the early stages. However, tests conducted under the direction of a qualified health professional is n
Parkinsonism is any condition that causes symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease. Any condition that affects the basal ganglia can cause these symptoms. Parkinsonism may be a side effect of certain drugs, especially antipsychotic drugs. These drugs interfere with or block the action of dopamine, the main chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) in the basal ganglia. Disorders that can cause parkinsonism include other degenerative brain disorders, viral encephalitis (a rare disorder that follows a flu-like infection), brain tumors, strokes, and head injury (particularly the repeated injury that occurs in boxing). Levodopa, which can often cause people with Parkinson’s disease to improve dramatically, is often less helpful to people who have parkinsonism.
Greg/ Minnesota … Full article >>> Parkinsonism: 1. Parkinson disease. 2. A syndrome similar to Parkinson disease, for example, as a side effect of an antipsychotic drug. Search All of MedicineNet For: search help … Full article >>> Secondary parkinsonism Definition: Secondary parkinsonism is a disorder with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, but is caused by medication side-effects, a different neurodegenerative disorder, or another illness. Full article >>> ParkinsonismA neurological disorder that includes a fine tremor, muscular weakness and rigidity, and an altered way of walking. For Your Information Books … Full article >>> or Parkinsonism, degenerative brain disorder first described by the English surgeon James Parkinson in 1817. When there is no known cause, the disease usually appears after age 40 and is referred to as Parkinson’s disease. Full article >>> Paris yellow; parity; parjdigitate; park; Parker, Edward Mason; parkeria; Parker-Kerr suture; Park, Henry; par
