What is parkinsonism?
Parkinsonism is a syndrome, which means it's a collection of symptoms and signs that affect movement. The main features include:
- Bradykinesia (slowed movements)
- Tremors
- Loss of balance
- Stiffness
These symptoms result from the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine Show Full Answer
What is parkinsonism?
Parkinsonism is a syndrome, which means it's a collection of symptoms and signs that affect movement. The main features include:
- Bradykinesia (slowed movements)
- Tremors
- Loss of balance
- Stiffness
These symptoms result from the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that's essential for transmitting signals between nerve cells, helping regulate movement, motivation, reward, and mood.
Parkinsonism vs. Parkinson's disease
It's important to understand that parkinsonism is a broad term referring to several neurological conditions with movement issues. Parkinson's disease is actually the most common type of parkinsonism, accounting for about 80 percent of cases.
Other types of parkinsonism include:
- Drug-induced parkinsonism
- Multiple system atrophy
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Vascular parkinsonism
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Corticobasal degeneration
Because all types of parkinsonism share similar motor symptoms, getting an accurate diagnosis can be challenging. A neurologist who specializes in movement disorders is best equipped to distinguish between the different types and provide appropriate treatment.
April 6
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