Vascular Parkinsonism. Differential Diagnosis

Abstract

Parkinsonism can be caused by many pathologies, including cerebrovascular diseases. Vascular parkinsonism, which develops as a consequence of the latter, may be caused by small vessel disease of the white matter, leading to the gradual development of bilateral symptoms in the lower extremities. Compared with patients with Parkinson's disease, people with vascular parkinsonism have earlier onset of gait disturbances, higher rates of urinary incontinence and cognitive impairment, and a poorer response to treatment and prognosis. Vascular parkinsonism, with its unclear pathophysiology, varied clinical presentation and overlap with other diseases, remains a poorly understood and somewhat controversial diagnosis. The clinical case described below confirms the above.