Post Traumatic Parkinson's Disease

Parkinsonism is the umbrella under which several motor system disorders are classified. These include post-traumatic Parkinsonism, also referred to as post-traumatic Parkinson's disease and "punch-drunk syndrome" because boxers such as Muhammad Ali and others with occupations at high risk for blows to the head have a higher incidence of the disorder.

Diagnosis

• There are no diagnostic tests for post-traumatic Parkinson's disease. It is a matter of "connecting the dots" and relating past traumatic experiences with current symptoms.

Causes

• While the causes of Parkinsonism are unknown, post-traumatic Parkinson's disease is believed to be caused by severe or repeated traumas to the head and spine that affect dopamine-producing cells through the destruction of the substantia nigra area of the brain.

Research

• According to Dr. Erin Elster, primary investigator of Preliminary Research Projects in Boulder, Colorado, many of her Parkinson's patients recalled incidents of trauma, such as auto accidents or falls, but some did not. But even without memories of the trauma, upper cervical injuries were evident in 100 percent of 75 patients she studied.

Symptoms

• Symptoms are chronic and progressive and include tremors, stiffness of the torso, a slow and deliberate way of moving, and difficulties with balance. Secondary symptoms include an inability to swing the arms while walking, cramped handwriting, and immobile facial expressions. Sense of smell and vocal volume can be affected.

Cures

• There are no known cures for post-traumatic Parkinson's disease. Symptoms can be treated, but the disorder cannot be eradicated. Treatments include medications, various surgeries of the brain, and physical and speech therapy.