Parkinson's and Parkinsonism

Parkinson's disease is part of an umbrella of conditions known as Parkinsonism. The main symptoms of Parkinson's are also the main symptoms of a number of conditions which are grouped together under the term 'parkinsonism'. Parkinson's disease is the most common form and is sometimes referred to as idiopathic Parkinson's disease, which means its cause is unknown.

Diagnosing Parkinson's and other parkinsonism conditions is difficult as there are no special tests that can prove absolutely whether someone has a particular condition so a variety of techniques usually based on clinical examination and medical history are used.

People with Parkinson's should show an initial good response to levodopa, people with other causes of parkinsonism usually do not respond or tend to respond less well. However symptoms alone or a poor response to levodopa will not automatically rule our Parkinson's. However if specialists see unusual symptoms and a poor response they may start to question whether the person has Parkinson's.

When this is the case, the terms 'Parkinson's syndrome', 'atypical parkinsonism' or 'Parkinson's plus' may be used by the doctor. These terms are not diagnoses but simply indicate that the person probably does not have ordinary Parkinson's. Symptoms that allow the doctor to make a specific diagnosis may only appear as the condition develops.

Parkinson's New Zealand provides support and information for all people with parkinsonism not only those with Parkinson's, so people with an alternative diagnosis can join the Society and use our services.

Further Information

PSP Pamphlet- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (sometimes called Steele-Richardson-Olszewski)

MSA Pamphlet- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) (sometimes called Striatonigral degeneration, Shy-Drager syndrome or Olivopontocerebellar atrophy)