Definition
A Parkinson’s syndrome is a clinical picture with typical symptoms that restrict movement. These symptoms are immobility (akinesia) or slowed movement, muscle rigidity (rigor), muscle tremor (rest tremor) and postural instability (postural instability). The symptoms are caused by a lack of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls movement in the brain. The symptoms do not always have to be present simultaneously. There are four groups within Parkinson’s syndrome: Parkinson’s disease, genetic forms, atypical Parkinson’s syndromes and secondary forms.
What is the difference to Parkinson’s disease?
The difference to Parkinson’s disease is that Parkinson’s syndrome is only the description of a group of symptoms, whereas Parkinson’s disease is a disease. Parkinson’s disease, also known as idiopathic Parkinson’s syndrome, is therefore characterised by the typical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is caused by the death of dopamine-containing nerve cells in the brain.
The reason for this destruction of nerve cells has not been clarified to date and unfortunately the disease is not curable. In most cases the symptoms start unilaterally and remain asymmetrical in their course. The disease has a progressive course and can begin with early symptoms such as loss of sense of smell, depression and sleep disorders.
Causes of Parkinson’s syndrome
The causes of Parkinson’s syndrome can be divided into the four groups already mentioned. – The first and most common cause (75% of those affected) is Parkinson’s disease. The cause of this is still unknown and is probably multifactorial, i.e. influenced by several factors.
Genetics, however, seem to play a role. – The second, much rarer cause is the purely genetic form of Parkinson’s syndrome. This disease is hereditary and therefore occurs more frequently in affected families.
There is the possibility of a genetic test to make the diagnosis. – The third group are the atypical Parkinson syndromes. In this group, nerve cells also die, but this is due to another neurodegenerative disease.
This destruction causes Parkinson’s syndrome, but also additional symptoms. The course of the disease is different from Parkinson’s disease and the response to medication is limited. – Finally, a Parkinson’s syndrome can be secondary. Most commonly as a side effect of drugs that inhibit the release or effect of dopamine. Other causes can be tumours, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders and inflammation.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s syndrome
A Parkinson’s syndrome classically consists of a lack of movement or immobility (brady-/asynesia). This symptom must be accompanied by at least one other symptom. Typically, muscular rigidity (rigor), muscle tremor (rest tremor) or postural instability (postural instability) is present.
Parkinson’s disease begins with the early symptoms mentioned above. In the clinical phase, the movement disorders usually occur with a one-sided emphasis. The movements slow down and become smaller and smaller.
The gait pattern becomes small-step and uncertain. Difficulties often occur when starting or stopping. The arms no longer swing when walking and patients fall much more often.
But not only the movement of the body is affected, also the facial expressions become less. The voice becomes quieter and swallowing difficulties can occur. Patients may become dizzy and “black in the face” more often.
Bladder voiding disorders and sexual dysfunction can also occur. Finally, patients in the late stages may also suffer from psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety disorders or dementia. Depending on the form of Parkinson’s syndrome, the symptoms and the course of the disease vary. This topic could also be of interest to you: Shaking hands in adolescence
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