BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuSecondary parkinsonismParkinsonism - secondary; Atypical Parkinson diseaseSecondary 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.Parkinson diseaseParkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Secondary parkinsonism may be caused by health problems, including:Brain injury Diffuse Lewy body disease (a type of dementia) DementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Encephalitis EncephalitisEncephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.Read Article Now Book Mark Article HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Meningitis MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple system atrophy Multiple system atrophyMultiple system atrophy- parkinsonian type (MSA-P) is a rare condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson disease. However, people with MSA-P...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Progressive supranuclear palsy Progressive supranuclear palsyProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a movement disorder that occurs from damage to certain nerve cells in the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stroke StrokeA stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wilson diseaseWilson diseaseWilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other causes of secondary parkinsonism include:Brain damage caused by anesthesia drugs (such as during surgery) Carbon monoxide poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoningCarbon monoxide is an odorless gas that causes thousands of deaths each year in North America. Breathing in carbon monoxide is very dangerous. It i...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Certain medicines used to treat mental disorders or nausea (metoclopramide and prochlorperazine) Mercury poisoning and other chemical poisonings Overdoses of narcotics MPTP (a contaminant in some street drugs) 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. Symptoms Common symptoms include:Decrease in facial expressions Difficulty starting and controlling movement Loss or weakness of movement (paralysis) Soft voice Stiffness of the trunk, arms, or legs TremorTremorA tremor is a type of shaking movement. A tremor is most often noticed in the hands and arms. It may affect any body part, including the head or vo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Confusion and memory loss may be likely in secondary parkinsonism. This is because many diseases that cause secondary parkinsonism also lead to dementia.DementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the person's medical history and symptoms. Be aware that the symptoms may be hard to assess, particularly in older adults.Examination may show:Difficulty starting or stopping voluntary movements Tense muscles Problems with posture Slow, shuffling walk Tremors (shaking) Reflexes are usually normal.Tests may be ordered to confirm or rule out other problems that can cause similar symptoms. Treatment 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. Outlook (Prognosis) 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. Possible Complications This condition may lead to these problems:Difficulty doing daily activities Difficulty swallowing (eating) Disability (varying degrees) Injuries from falls Side effects of medicines used to treat the condition Side effects from loss of strength (debilitation):Breathing food, fluid, or mucus into the lungs (aspiration) AspirationAspiration means to draw in or out using a sucking motion. It has two meanings:Breathing in a foreign object (sucking food into the airway). A medic...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood clot in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis) Deep vein thrombosisDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. It mainly affects the large ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MalnutritionMalnutritionMalnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact the provider if:Symptoms of secondary parkinsonism develop, come back, or get worse. New symptoms appear, including confusion and movements that cannot be controlled. You are unable to care for the person at home after treatment starts. Prevention 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.Open ReferencesReferencesFox SH, Katzenschlager R, Lim SY, et al; Movement Disorder Society Evidence-Based Medicine Committee. International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society evidence-based medicine review: update on treatments for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2018;33(8):1248-1266. PMID: 29570866 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29570866/.Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 96.Okun MS, Lang AE. Parkinsonism. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 381.AllVideoImagesTogCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationCentral nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.Central nervous system and peripheral nervous systemillustrationRelated Information Parkinson disease(Condition)Stroke(Condition)Encephalitis(Condition)Meningitis(Condition)Toxins(Special Topic)Hemoglobin derivatives(Medical Test)Aspiration(Special Topic)Deep vein thrombosis(Condition)Parkinson disease(In-Depth)Stroke(In-Depth)Viral encephalitis (In-Depth) Review Date: 2/4/2020 Reviewed 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. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Secondary parkinsonismParkinsonism - secondary; Atypical Parkinson diseaseSecondary 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.Parkinson diseaseParkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Secondary parkinsonism may be caused by health problems, including:Brain injury Diffuse Lewy body disease (a type of dementia) DementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Encephalitis EncephalitisEncephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.Read Article Now Book Mark Article HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Meningitis MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple system atrophy Multiple system atrophyMultiple system atrophy- parkinsonian type (MSA-P) is a rare condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson disease. However, people with MSA-P...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Progressive supranuclear palsy Progressive supranuclear palsyProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a movement disorder that occurs from damage to certain nerve cells in the brain.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stroke StrokeA stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wilson diseaseWilson diseaseWilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other causes of secondary parkinsonism include:Brain damage caused by anesthesia drugs (such as during surgery) Carbon monoxide poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoningCarbon monoxide is an odorless gas that causes thousands of deaths each year in North America. Breathing in carbon monoxide is very dangerous. It i...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Certain medicines used to treat mental disorders or nausea (metoclopramide and prochlorperazine) Mercury poisoning and other chemical poisonings Overdoses of narcotics MPTP (a contaminant in some street drugs) 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. Symptoms Common symptoms include:Decrease in facial expressions Difficulty starting and controlling movement Loss or weakness of movement (paralysis) Soft voice Stiffness of the trunk, arms, or legs TremorTremorA tremor is a type of shaking movement. A tremor is most often noticed in the hands and arms. It may affect any body part, including the head or vo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Confusion and memory loss may be likely in secondary parkinsonism. This is because many diseases that cause secondary parkinsonism also lead to dementia.DementiaDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the person's medical history and symptoms. Be aware that the symptoms may be hard to assess, particularly in older adults.Examination may show:Difficulty starting or stopping voluntary movements Tense muscles Problems with posture Slow, shuffling walk Tremors (shaking) Reflexes are usually normal.Tests may be ordered to confirm or rule out other problems that can cause similar symptoms. Treatment 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. Outlook (Prognosis) 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. Possible Complications This condition may lead to these problems:Difficulty doing daily activities Difficulty swallowing (eating) Disability (varying degrees) Injuries from falls Side effects of medicines used to treat the condition Side effects from loss of strength (debilitation):Breathing food, fluid, or mucus into the lungs (aspiration) AspirationAspiration means to draw in or out using a sucking motion. It has two meanings:Breathing in a foreign object (sucking food into the airway). A medic...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood clot in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis) Deep vein thrombosisDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. It mainly affects the large ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MalnutritionMalnutritionMalnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact the provider if:Symptoms of secondary parkinsonism develop, come back, or get worse. New symptoms appear, including confusion and movements that cannot be controlled. You are unable to care for the person at home after treatment starts. Prevention 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.Open ReferencesReferencesFox SH, Katzenschlager R, Lim SY, et al; Movement Disorder Society Evidence-Based Medicine Committee. International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society evidence-based medicine review: update on treatments for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2018;33(8):1248-1266. PMID: 29570866 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29570866/.Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 96.Okun MS, Lang AE. Parkinsonism. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 381.
