Parkinsonism ( Parkinsonian syndrome)

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:

• (1) Nutt JG, Wooten GF.Diagnosis and Initial Management of Parkinson's Disease. N Engl J Med 2005 ; 353:1021.Clinical Practice
• (2) Parkinson’s Disease.National clinical guideline for diagnosis and management in primary and secondary care. NICE full guideline.2006