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Can Someone Tell Me The Difference Between PD And Parkinsonisms. I'm Very Confused. And Can You Have Both

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Barnegat, NJ
September 26
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s until my doctor didn’t think all my symptoms she didn’t think fit so she ordered a datscan which the dr says shows my brain is producing dopamine so she is changing my diagnosis to Parkinsonism. So I am in same boat as you are. My dr has scheduled an mri of my brain which will tell her what part of my brain is shrinking

September 26
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Certainly! Let's clarify the differences between Parkinson's disease (PD) and parkinsonism:

Parkinson's Disease (PD)
- Definition: A specific type of parkinsonism that accounts for about 80% of cases
- Symptoms: Characterized by bradykinesia (slowed movements), tremors, loss of balance, and stiffness.
- Cause: Primarily Show Full Answer

Certainly! Let's clarify the differences between Parkinson's disease (PD) and parkinsonism:

Parkinson's Disease (PD)
- Definition: A specific type of parkinsonism that accounts for about 80% of cases.
- Symptoms: Characterized by bradykinesia (slowed movements), tremors, loss of balance, and stiffness.
- Cause: Primarily due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.

Parkinsonism
- Definition: A syndrome or collection of symptoms and signs similar to those of Parkinson's disease.
- Types: Includes various conditions such as:
- Drug-induced parkinsonism
- Multiple system atrophy
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Vascular parkinsonism
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Corticobasal degeneration

Can You Have Both?
- Overlap: While Parkinson's disease is a type of parkinsonism, you cannot have both PD and another type of parkinsonism simultaneously. However, you can have symptoms of parkinsonism due to different underlying causes.

For more detailed information, you can visit the resource: [How To Get Involved With Parkinson’s Awareness | MyParkinsonsTeam](https://www.MyParkinsonsTeam.com/resources/how-...).

September 26
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I hope you get your answers

September 26
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thank you. I will research more. I hope you get the answers that are so needed. I get so confused. Just really trying to understand. So much to learn. Sometimes I don't want to know. Thanks again and have a wonderful night.

September 26
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Patricia, I agree with above answer. Do your own due diligence research! I just saw a new neurologist (my old one retired & disappeared) who has post-grad specialized training in movement disorders. After reviewing notes from previous neurologist, from another neurologist he referred me to 5 years ago, and notes & scans from UT Southwestern Neurology in Dallas & conducting a thorough physical exam IMHO; she changed my diagnosis from PD to Parkinsonism. She didn’t clarify the type yet but I go back to see her in November. In doing my research, I check off almost every symptom box for MSA (Multiple System Atrophy). so I’m expecting that bad news when I ask her that question to clarify type at next visit.

So many symptoms overlap, it sure makes their job tough for sure. Well, hope my story helps you as we travel down this frustrating & complex journey together 🙂

September 26

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