Classifications of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder in which brain cells that create dopamine die off, leaving the patient with impaired motor functions, including tremors, stiff movement, rigidity and poor balance. All disorders that have these symptoms are considered to be Parkinsonism.

Parkinson's Disease

• Parkinson's disease is the name given to disorders suffered by 65 percent of people exhibiting these symptoms.

Drug-induced Parkinsonism

• People suffering from psychiatric disorders, stomach disorders, high blood pressure, or epilepsy may experience Parkinsonism symptoms that disappear when medications are stopped or adjusted.

Toxin-induced Parkinsonism

• Certain environmental toxins, such as carbon monoxide, carbon disulfide, and manganese dust, can cause Parkinsonism symptoms in people.

Arteriosclerotic Parkinsonism

• Arteriosclerotic Parkinsonism is when symptoms occur as a result of a series of small strokes. Current Parkinson's treatment does not alleviate the associated problems.

Post-traumatic Parkinsonism

• Post-traumatic Parkinsonism occurs when a person suffers repeated trauma to the head, such as in high-contact sports like boxing, or from a major traumatic incident.

Hydrocephalus

• Hydrocephalus is a form of Parkinsonism in which the brain becomes swollen with cerebrospinal fluid when the normal flow is somehow blocked. Relief comes in the form of surgical implantation of a shunt to drain the fluid.

Parkinsonism with Other Disorders

• Parkinsonism can also accompany other disorders such as Alzheimer's, Wilson's, Huntington's, and more.