Parkinsonism in an umbrella term for different conditions which cause the core features which are also seen in Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease, specifically, is caused by the loss of specific nerve fibres containing dopamine and an abnormal build-up of protein in structures called Lewy bodies. The other causes of parkinsonism include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Vascular disease
- Side effects of medications
- Chronic head trauma
- Metabolic diseases
- Toxins that affect the brain
- Other neurological diseases
