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Accidental hypothermia in Parkinson's disease
Hiroshi Kataoka1, Nobuyuki Eura1, Takao Kiriyama1
1Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.
Oxford Medical Case Reports
|November 7, 2018
Summary
Parkinson's disease patients experiencing worsening bradykinesia, especially in winter, may face accidental hypothermia. Prompt warming and supportive care can resolve hypothermia, highlighting the need for temperature regulation monitoring in neurological decline.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Temperature dysregulation can be a complex symptom in neurological conditions.
Observation:
- Two Parkinson's disease patients presented with accidental hypothermia.
- A review of seven hypothermia cases in PD patients was conducted.
- Hypothermia episodes predominantly occurred during winter months.
Findings:
- Preceding symptoms included worsening bradykinesia and limb coldness.
- Impaired consciousness and parkinsonian feature deterioration often accompanied hypothermia.
- Hypothermia resolved relatively quickly following external warming procedures.
Implications:
- Worsening bradykinesia in PD patients, particularly in winter, signals a risk for hypothermia.
- Close monitoring for temperature dysregulation is crucial in patients with significant neurological decline.
- This association underscores the importance of comprehensive symptom management in Parkinson's disease.