Understanding Atypical Parkinsonism

Atypical parkinsonism, also known as atypical Parkinson's disease, is a group of disorders that copy Parkinson’s symptoms—tremors, stiffness, slow moves, and shaky balance. Unlike Parkinson’s, they progress faster and stem from different brain issues. They have similar traits, like early falls or eye movement glitches. Treatments are designed to manage symptoms, not cure, since these conditions hit harder and resist typical Parkinson’s drugs, treatment for neurodegenerative atypical Parkinsonism syndromes is symptom-focused.

What Is Atypical Parkinsonism?

Atypical Parkinson’s refers to a group of neurological disorders that resemble Parkinson’s disease but have distinct symptoms and faster progression. Unlike typical Parkinson’s, these conditions don’t respond well to dopamine-based treatments. These are classified under atypical parkinsonism ICD 10 codes to support accurate diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

Definition and Overview

Classified under neurodegenerative atypical Parkinsonism syndromes, this group involves progressive diseases. Atypical Parkinsonism is a group of neurodegenerative conditions that resemble Parkinson’s, but have different features, symptoms and progressions. Conditions like Multiple System Atrophy, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Corticobasal Degeneration fall under this umbrella. While Parkinson’s is largely caused by dopamine loss, atypical Parkinsonism causes are linked to abnormal protein buildup. These disorders often resist typical Parkinson’s treatments, advancing more rapidly, which makes it difficult to find effective treatment on time.

Differences Between Parkinson's Disease and Atypical Parkinsonism

Parkinson’s disease responds well to dopamine-based therapies, improving tremors and stiffness, while atypical Parkinsonism symptoms show limited response, progressing faster. Parkinson’s primarily affects movement, but Atypical forms often include early cognitive decline, balance issues, and eye movement problems. 

Unlike Parkinson’s, caused mainly by dopamine loss, Atypical Parkinsonism stems from varied protein abnormalities and, in some cases, the environment, which makes recovery difficult.

Types of Atypical Parkinsonism

Atypical Parkinsonism includes conditions like Multiple System Atrophy, which affects balance and interferes with autonomic functions such as blood pressure, digestion, and bladder control; Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, which impairs eye movement and posture; and Corticobasal Degeneration, which causes limb stiffness and coordination loss. Each type of atypical Parkinson's disease presents differently and needs specific treatment plans.

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) affects the cerebellum, leading to coordination loss and damaging systems controlling blood pressure and bladder. It can cause difficulty in movement and balance, which can worsen over time. If you are wondering “what causes atypical parkinsonism?”, conditions like Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) are often behind the progressive loss of coordination and autonomic function.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) affects eye movement, balance, and posture. It can impact one's ability to move around and look up or down - causing loss of balance or dizziness. Many might wonder, “How long can you live with atypical parkinsonism?”PSP advances faster, often leading to speech and swallowing issues within years of onset. 

Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)

Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) affects movement and cognition, targeting one side of the body first. One side of the person can begin to feel more stiff or reduce coordination between hand-eye tasks. The brain’s cortex and basal ganglia degenerate, causing symptoms like jerky movements and difficulty using tools.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) can cause hallucinations, memory loss, and fluctuating alertness. Lewy bodies are protein clumps that build up in the brain, mimicking Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. DLB often starts with sleep disturbances and progresses to motor stiffness over time.

Symptoms of Atypical Parkinsonism

Atypical Parkinsonism symptoms present with few motor and non-motor symptoms that can often be similar to Parkinson's or fatigue. The mark is quicker progression, which should help catch the condition early.

Motor Symptoms

If you are wondering, “How long can you live with atypical parkinsonism”? Atypical Parkinsonism results in motor symptoms like stiffness, slowness, and tremors. It can become more common for people to experience balance loss, falls, and coordination issues. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy can impact eye movement, while Corticobasal Degeneration stiffens limbs unevenly. 

Multiple System Atrophy disrupts gait, setting these conditions apart from typical Parkinson’s disease motor patterns. These symptoms can progress faster and more intensely, making it different from Parkinson's.

Non-Motor Symptoms

Cognitive decline, hallucinations, and sleep disturbances are some common non-motor symptoms of the condition. Dementia with Lewy Bodies brings fluctuating alertness, while Multiple System Atrophy affects blood pressure and bladder control. Mood changes, depression, and swallowing food or saliva can become more difficult.

Causes and Risk Factors

Wondering what causes atypical Parkinsonism? In the case of Atypical Parkinsonism, there are a few causes and risk factors that can increase the severity or progression. While studies continue to find hard evidence, some of the risk factors can help in diagnosing the condition early.

Genetic Factors

Mutations in the MAPT (Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau) gene are linked to Atypical Parkinsonism, particularly Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).MAPT (Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau) gene provides instructions for making tau protein, which helps stabilise structures inside nerve cells called microtubules. 

These structures transport nutrients and signals in the brain. When the MAPT gene mutates, tau proteins clump together abnormally —a significant factor in atypical Parkinsonism causes.

Environmental Factors

Understanding “what causes atypical parkinsonism” can include environmental factors, like exposure to certain toxins, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, which can contribute to muscle atrophy by damaging nerves, disrupting cellular energy production, and increasing oxidative stress. 

Heavy metal exposure can often result in neurotoxic effects on the body that can reduce nerve function. This can, over time, worsen, resulting in poor hand-eye coordination and muscle function and result in loss of balance.

Diagnosis of Atypical Parkinsonism

Atypical Parkinsonism needs a set of clinical evaluation and imaging tests that help pinpoint the symptoms and arrive at a diagnosis to identify neurodegenerative atypical Parkinsonism syndromes. There are no specific tests that confirm the condition, but a medical professional can make the diagnosis based on clinical presentation after running the needed tests.

Clinical Evaluation

A doctor will run an assessment of the person's medical history and symptoms. Neurologists examine movement, balance, and eye function. They test reflexes, coordination, and cognition to differentiate from Parkinson’s. Detailed interviews identify progression patterns, ensuring accurate diagnosis of conditions like Multiple System Atrophy or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. For medical coding and documentation, atypical parkinsonism ICD 10 is often used to classify diagnoses like Multiple System Atrophy or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Imaging and Laboratory Tests

MRI scans reveal brain atrophy in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. PET scans detect protein deposits in Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Blood tests rule out other causes, while cerebrospinal fluid analysis identifies markers, which helps in narrowing down the diagnosis. Imaging results often help confirm atypical parkinsonism symptoms when clinical signs alone aren’t enough for a clear diagnosis.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for Atypical Parkinsonism symptoms, often used in combination to help manage the condition. It ranges from medication to physiotherapy - both help increase muscle movement and reduce the impact on brain function. For proper medical documentation, treatments are often aligned with the atypical parkinsonism ICD 10 classification to ensure accurate care planning and coding.

Medications

Levodopa is one of the medicines that is advised to help in reducing stiffness and slowness for the condition. Anticholinergics helps in reducing tremors, while antidepressants manage mood changes. 

Since “atypical parkinsonism causes” vary, doctors adjust dosages carefully based on the individual's need, medical condition and coping abilities. There is no one-stop solution through medication that works for everyone.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

An effective treatment method for the condition is to practice regular physical and occupational therapy to improve mobility and daily function. Physical therapists design plans that are focused on building strength in muscles and improving balance, reducing fall risk. 

Occupational therapists adapt tasks, using tools to maintain independence. These can, over a period of time help in adjusting to new changes or generally maintain a healthier physical condition and slow down the intensity of the condition.

Supportive Care

Individuals with Atypical Parkinsonism often need support from their friends and family. Professional support such as nurses, speech therapists and caregivers can help in maintaining a routine and provide support consistently. Family and friends can help fill social needs, keep them engaged and prevent loneliness. In cases of MSA, assistive devices can help reduce dependency or make movement easier.

Prognosis and Quality of Life

Many might wonder, “how long can you live with atypical parkinsonism?”When caught early, individuals can lead a comfortable life as long as they have the medication and treatment regimen in place and are being followed on a regular basis

Disease Progression

Atypical Parkinsonism gets worse faster than Parkinson’s disease. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) affects body functions like blood pressure and digestion within a few years. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) quickly causes severe movement problems. 

Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) makes limb movement harder, while Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) leads to serious memory and thinking issues. Each condition progresses in its own way.

Living with Atypical Parkinsonism

Living with atypical Parkinson's disease can be challenging, with people often experiencing a mix of good and bad days. With time, there will be a need to adapt to worsening mobility and cognition, relying on caregivers and therapy. 

Daily routines shift as conditions like Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or Multiple System Atrophy progress. Support networks and practical adjustments help maintain dignity and can make navigating the condition slightly easier. Stay on top of medications and ensure to get the right care when needed. 

Research and Future Directions

Atypical Parkinsonism continues to be studied rigorously across the globe. This is seeing breakthroughs in new learnings and experimental treatments and modern treatments are on the rise that are aimed at improving conditions and slowing down the intensity of the progression.

Ongoing Clinical Trials

Studies are exploring verdiperstat (an experimental drug for myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitor, meaning it helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain) for Multiple System Atrophy, AMX0035 for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and stem cell therapies for Corticobasal Degeneration. 

Researchers aim to slow progression, using imaging and biomarkers to track outcomes across global sites.

Emerging Therapies

Emerging therapies such as Anti-tau antibodies are being used to treat Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, while alpha-synuclein inhibitors are being used to treat Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Gene therapies and mitochondrial enhancers show promise for Multiple System Atrophy. 

Cutting-edge technology is helping us get closer to understanding the condition in a comprehensive manner.

Insights on Atypical Parkinsonism by Physiotattva

At Cadabam’s Physiotattva, our team of experts has decades of experience treating the condition. Our team works closely with individuals and their caregivers to understand their needs and tailor specific programs that work for you. 

Our centres have state-of-the-art equipment that helps in physiotherapy treatments. Reach out to us today to start your journey of care.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

FAQs

What are the laboratory tests for Parkinson's disease?

Blood tests check thyroid function, vitamin B12 levels, and liver health. No specific biomarker confirms Parkinson’s, so neurologists rely on clinical evaluation and symptom patterns to establish the diagnosis. They may look at other symptoms to rule out any other condition.

What is the diagnostic imaging for Parkinson's disease?

Diagnostic imaging for Parkinson’s disease includes the DaT scan, which visualises dopamine activity in the brain, aiding diagnosis. MRI and CT scans exclude other causes like strokes. These tools support clinical assessment, as no imaging test definitively confirms Parkinson’s alone.

What are the red flags of Atypical Parkinsonism?

Red flags of Atypical Parkinsonism include rapid symptom progression, limited response to levodopa, and early balance issues or falls. Unusual features like eye movement issues, severe autonomic dysfunction, or asymmetric limb stiffness signal conditions like Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or Multiple System Atrophy, distinguishing them from typical Parkinson’s.

What is the difference between Parkinson's and Atypical Parkinsonism?

Parkinson’s responds to levodopa, progresses slowly, and primarily affects movement. Atypical Parkinsonism resists levodopa, advances quickly, and includes additional symptoms like early cognitive decline, balance problems, or eye movement issues, reflecting diverse protein pathologies beyond Parkinson’s dopamine loss.

Can Atypical Parkinsonism be cured?

Atypical Parkinsonism cannot be cured. Conditions like Multiple System Atrophy or Corticobasal Degeneration lack effective disease-modifying treatments. It can be managed with medication and physiotherapy.