Secondary parkinsonism is when symptoms similar to Parkinson disease are caused by certain medicines, a different nervous system disorder, or another illness.
Parkinsonism refers to any condition that involves the types of movement problems seen in Parkinson disease. These problems include tremors, slow movement, and stiffness of the arms and legs.
Parkinsonism - secondary; Atypical Parkinson disease
Secondary parkinsonism may be caused by health problems, including:
Other causes of secondary parkinsonism include:
There have been rare cases of secondary parkinsonism among IV drug users who injected a substance called MPTP, which can be produced when making a form of heroin.
Common symptoms include:
Confusion and memory loss may be likely in secondary parkinsonism. This is because many diseases that cause secondary parkinsonism also lead to dementia.
If the condition is caused by a medicine, the provider may recommend changing or stopping the medicine.
Treating underlying conditions, such as stroke or infections, can reduce symptoms or prevent the condition from getting worse.
If symptoms make it hard to do everyday activities, the provider may recommend medicine. Medicines used to treat this condition can cause severe side effects. It is important to see the provider for check-ups. Secondary parkinsonism tends to be less responsive to medical therapy than Parkinson disease.
Philippe Huot is in Montreal, Canada. Huot is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Secondary Parkinsonism. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Secondary Parkinsonism, Neurotoxicity Syndromes, Herpes Zoster Oticus, and Drug Induced Dyskinesia.
James Morley is a Neurologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Morley is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Secondary Parkinsonism. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Secondary Parkinsonism, Parkinson's Disease, Anosmia, and Chorea. He is licensed to treat patients in Pennsylvania.
Tom Johnston is in Toronto, Canada. Johnston is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Secondary Parkinsonism. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Neurotoxicity Syndromes, Secondary Parkinsonism, Herpes Zoster Oticus, and Drug Induced Dyskinesia.
Unlike Parkinson disease, some types of secondary parkinsonism may stabilize or even improve if the underlying cause is treated. Some brain problems, such as Lewy body disease, are not reversible.
This condition may lead to these problems:
Side effects from loss of strength (debilitation):
Contact the provider if:
Treating conditions that cause secondary parkinsonism may decrease the risk.
People taking medicines that can cause secondary parkinsonism should be carefully monitored by the provider to prevent the condition from developing.
Published Date : February 04, 2020
Published By : Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, FAAN, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 09/28/2021.
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