Parkinsonism - Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

Parkinsonism Syndrome that looks like Parkinson’s disease

Cause of Parkinsonism:

  • Drug-Induced → (Antipsychotics:  Haloperidol, Risperidone)
  • Vascular → (Multi-infarct, Binswanger’s)
  • Toxins → (MPTP, CO, Mn, Cyanide)
  • Postencephalitic → (Increase Encephalitis, lethargica)
  • Trauma → (Head injury, repeated)
  • Normal Presssure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Parkinson-Plus Syndromes Parkinsonism plus additional neurological signs.

Common Points in Parkinson-Plus:

  • Rapid Progression → Wheelchair early
  • Severe Autonomic Dysfunction
  • Early Postural Instability & falls
  • No / Minimal Levodopa response
  • Poor Prognosis

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Different from Parkinson’s disease

  • Acute/subacute onset
  • Symmetrical (both sides)
  • Early falls (common)
  • No Non-motor features
  • Poor Levodopa response

Parkinson-Plus Syndrome:

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Key Features:

  • Vertical Gaze Palsy
  • Early Falls
  • Axial Rigidity > Limb
  • “Look up and fall down”
  • No response to Levadopa

Parkinson-Plus Syndrome:

Corticobasal Degeneration

Key Features:

  • Asymmetric Onset
  • Limb Apraxia
  • Alien Limb Phenomenon
  • Cortical Signs
  • Poor response to Levodopa

Parkinson-Plus Syndrome:

Multi-System Atrophy

Key Features:

  • Antinomic Failure
  • Low blood pressure, incontinence
  • Cerebellar Ataxia
  • Poor Prognosis (2-5 years)
  • Poor response to Levodopa
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