Parkinsonian Syndromes
Parkinson's Syndrome
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder in which areas of the brain controlling motor activities become severely affected and communication between nerve cells and the area of the brain responsible for producing the chemical messenger dopamine is impaired, leading to a decrease in dopamine in the brain. The disease affects motor control, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as walking, balance, and speech. The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, although genetics, environment, lifestyle and other factors can contribute to the development of the condition. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but medications and therapies can lessen the symptoms and slow the progression.
Parkinsonian syndrome is an umbrella term that includes a variety of conditions that cause similar motor symptoms as those seen in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonian syndromes are neurological disorders which cause impairment of motor skills, tremors, stiffness of the limbs, impaired balance and coordination, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. There are a variety of Parkinsonian syndromes, each with their own distinct symptoms, causes and treatment options.
Types of Parkinsonian Syndromes
- Parkinson's disease (PD)
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
- Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS)
- Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
- Drug-induced Parkinsonism
- Striato-nigral Degeneration (SND)
Symptoms
The symptoms of Parkinsonian syndromes are similar to those of Parkinson's disease, but may vary depending on the specific disorder. Common symptoms are tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness of the limbs, impaired balance and coordination, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and changes in mood or behavior.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndrome is based on medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging. Your doctor may confirm diagnoses through blood or imaging tests. In some cases, a biopsy of brain tissue may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. Treatment begins after a diagnosis is made.
Treatment
Parkinsonian syndromes can be managed with medications and therapies to improve symptoms and slow progression. Medication may include a combination of dopamine agonists and inhibitors, as well as other medication to address specific symptoms such as tremors, depression, or behavioral issues. Additionally, physical therapy and speech therapy can help to improve motor and cognitive symptoms. Other treatment options may include deep brain stimulation, where electrodes are placed in the brain to stimulate certain nerve cells, or gene therapy, which can be used to replace or modify genes that are responsible for certain conditions.