Maheen Kalwan MBBS
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Acute Parkinsonism
Acute Parkinsonism (AP) is a relatively uncommon phenomenon in which signs and symptoms evolve over a period of a few hours to weeks. Common causes include structural/vascular abnormalities, infections, psychiatric manifestations, intake of drugs, and autoimmune disorders. This chapter emphasizes the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of each etiological factor involved in causing acute parkinsonism.
Secondary Parkinsonism
The most common cause of Parkinsonism is Parkinson's disease (PD), but this is a neurodegenerative process and presents in a chronic manner. In contrast, Secondary Parkinsonism (SP) may present in an acute, subacute, or chronic manner. Factors favoring a diagnosis of SP include sudden onset of symptoms at a young age, rapid progression with atypical findings on examinations as well as poor response to dopamine therapy. This chapter provides great insight into the causes of secondary parkinsonism along with a diagnostic approach and management.