Parkinsonian syndrome

Last reviewed 11/2023

Parkinsonism is a syndrome that is marked by (1,2):

  • hypokinesia (poverty of movement)
  • bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
  • muscular rigidity - increased tone
  • rest tremor - frequency of 4-6 Hz
  • posture of universal flexion

The underlying pathology is dopamine depletion within the basal ganglia.

Note:

Parkinsonism (Parkinsonian syndrome) and Parkinson's disease (1,2):

  • Parkinsonism (Parkinsonian syndrome) (2)
    • this is the term used to describe the syndrome
    • it is a common movement disorder
    • parkinsonism may also be present as part of another disorder
      • in these cases there may be features in addition to features of parkinsonism
  • Parkinson's disease
    • this is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease (after Alzheimer's disease)
    • it is the most common cause of parkinsonism

Reference: