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Autonomic dysfunction in parkinsonian disorders: assessment and pathophysiology
Masato Asahina1, Ekawat Vichayanrat, David A Low
1Department of Neurology, Chiba University School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan. asahina@faculty.chiba-u.jp
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|September 4, 2012
Summary
Autonomic dysfunction (dysautonomia) is a key non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD), often appearing before motor symptoms. Recognizing these patterns aids early PD diagnosis and differentiation from other parkinsonian disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Autonomic Medicine
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Non-motor features, including dysautonomia, are significant in PD.
- Autonomic dysfunction can precede classic motor symptoms in PD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.
- To describe symptoms, assessment, and pathophysiology of dysautonomia in PD.
- To differentiate autonomic patterns in PD from other parkinsonian syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of autonomic dysfunction in PD.
- Analysis of symptoms and diagnostic assessments.
- Comparison of autonomic features across parkinsonian syndromes.
Main Results:
- Autonomic dysfunction is a prominent feature in early and pre-motor PD.
- Distinct patterns of autonomic features characterize PD.
- Autonomic assessment aids in diagnosing PD and differentiating it from other parkinsonian disorders.
Conclusions:
- Dysautonomia is a crucial diagnostic marker in Parkinson's disease.
- Understanding autonomic impairment is vital for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
- Further research into the pathophysiology of dysautonomia in PD is warranted.
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