Secondary parkinsonism is similar to Parkinson's disease, but it is caused by certain medicines, a different nervous system disorder, or another illness.
Parkinsonism - secondary
Parkinson's disease is one of the most common nervous system (neurologic) disorders of the elderly. "Parkinsonism" refers to any condition that causes Parkinson's-type abnormal movements. These movements are caused by changes in or destruction of the nerve cells (neurons) that produce the chemical dopamine in a certain area of the brain.
Secondary parkinsonism may be caused by disorders such as:
Other disorders can also damage the dopamine neurons and produce this condition, including:
Another common cause of secondary parkinsonism is medication, such as:
If they damage the area of the brain that contains the dopamine neurons, the following may cause secondary parkinsonism:
There have been cases of secondary parkinsonism among intravenous drug users who injected a substance called MPTP, which can be produced when making a form of heroin. These cases are rare and have mostly affected long-term drug users.
Secondary parkinsonism caused by antipsychotics or other medications is usually reversible if identified soon enough. However, it may not be reversible if it is caused by:
Symptoms of parkinsonism may include:
Although cognitive problems are not as common in Parkinson's disease, they may be more likely in secondary parkinsonism. This is because the diseases that cause secondary parkinsonism often lead to dementia.
For a more detailed description of symptoms, see Parkinson's disease.
|
|
Reviewer Info: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 01/21/2009 |