Parkinsonism
Parkinsonism is the umbrella term given to a group of conditions that feature Parkinson’s-type symptoms: Tremor, Stiffness of muscles and Slowness of movement.
Parkinson's disease is the most common type of parkinsonism, but there are also some rarer types where a specific cause can be identified.
Atypical Parkinsonism’s include:
- Vascular Parkinsonism
- Drug Induced Parkinsonism
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
- Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
- Essential Tremor
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
- Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)
Like Parkinson’s, MSA can cause stiffness and slowness of movement in the early stages. However, people with MSA can also develop symptoms that are unusual in early Parkinson’s, such as unsteadiness, falls, bladder problems and dizziness.
PSP affects eye movement, balance, mobility, speech, and swallowing. It’s sometimes called Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome.
How is a Parkinsonism diagnosed?
Telling the difference between types of parkinsonism isn’t always easy. The first symptoms of the different forms of parkinsonism are so similar.
In many cases, parkinsonism develops gradually. Symptoms that allow your doctor to make a specific diagnosis may only appear as your condition progresses. Everyone with parkinsonism is different and has different symptoms.
Further information about Parkinsonism
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Support for Healthcare Professionals
