Parkinsonism
Parkinsonism
Parkinsonism (pronounced: pahr-kin-suh-niz-uhm) is a clinical syndrome characterized by tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. It is named after the English doctor James Parkinson, who first described the condition in 1817.
Etymology
The term "Parkinsonism" is derived from the name of Dr. James Parkinson, who first detailed the symptoms of the condition in his work "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy" in 1817. The suffix "-ism" is used to denote a condition or disease.
Symptoms
Parkinsonism is characterized by four primary symptoms:
- Tremor: This is often the most noticeable symptom. It usually begins in a limb, often a hand or fingers.
- Bradykinesia: Over time, Parkinson's disease may reduce the individual's ability to move and slow down their physical movements, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming.
- Rigidity: Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of the body. The stiff muscles can limit the range of motion and cause pain.
- Postural instability: This leads to balance problems and frequent falls.
Causes
Parkinsonism is primarily caused by low or falling levels of dopamine, a substance in the brain that helps regulate movement. This is often the result of damage to the area of the brain that produces this chemical. However, there are also other causes of Parkinsonism including certain medications, strokes, and brain tumors.
Treatment
Treatment for Parkinsonism focuses on controlling the symptoms. This can be achieved through a combination of medication, physiotherapy, and in some cases, surgery. Medications commonly used include Levodopa, Dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors.
Related Terms
- Parkinson's disease: This is the most common type of Parkinsonism and is a progressive disorder of the nervous system.
- Secondary Parkinsonism: This refers to a condition in which Parkinson's-like symptoms are caused by certain medications, different neurological conditions, or brain damage.
- Atypical Parkinsonism: This is a term for a group of neurodegenerative diseases that present with some of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Parkinsonism
- Wikipedia's article - Parkinsonism
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