Parkinson's disease: Difference between revisions
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===Epidemiology=== | ===Epidemiology=== | ||
[[common.jpg|left]] More common in old age, but quite a common condition in that generation. | [[Image:common.jpg|left]] More common in old age, but quite a common condition in that generation. | ||
===Pathophysiology=== | ===Pathophysiology=== | ||
Revision as of 11:26, 8 December 2009
Definition
- Parkinsonism - this is a set of neurological symptoms which are characteristic of Parkinson's disease but can also be symptoms of other disease.
- Idiopathic Parkinson's disease - a chronic degenerative neurological disease with symptoms of parkinsonism. It is the most common cause of parkinsonian symptoms.
Epidemiology
More common in old age, but quite a common condition in that generation.
Pathophysiology
Risk Factors
Clinical Features
The main five symptoms helpfully spell the word TRAPS; they are:
- Tremor
- Rigidity
- Akinesia/bradykinesia
- Posture
- Shuffling Gait
These really ought to be present but others include: reduced arm swing; small, shuffling steps; festinant gait (the patient leans forward but does not move feet quickly enough - can lead to falls); kinesia paradoxica (fast movements are easier than slower ones - usually in early Parkinson's).