Join Our Community!
Share
1/2 million Americans are diagnosed with Parkinsons. Click here for basic information and a definition of Parkinson Disease, a movement disorder of the brain. ...
Do doctors know what causes Parkinson's Disease? And who is at risk of developing the disorder? More info on risk factors here....
We outline the common symptoms of Parkinsons and list the types of movement disorders that accompany the disease. Plus, know when to seek medical help....
Avatar
Q: Secondary And Primary
asked by: BAILEYBB on October 20th, 2006
New User
Does anybody no the difference between secondary and primary parkinson's disease. I know that secondary pd is when there is a known source that caused it but are they still the same thing just one with a cause and the other with the cause unknown?
Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(1)
User Profile
Dr. Nikola
replied on April 15th, 2008
Doctor
In both primary and secondary Parkinson, dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra of the corpus striatum are destroyed so there the same symptoms are present.
In primary Parkinson (Parkinson disease) the reason for progressive dying of those neurons is unknown. One of the possible hypothesis is that those neurons normally dies with aging but some people are born with less dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra so when they become older they are missing those neurons more than the rest of the normal people.
In secondary Parkinson (Parkinson syndrome) dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra can be destroyed by various known reasons like brain infection, cerebro-vascular insult (stroke), cerebral atherosclerosis, brain trauma, poisoning with heavy metals or pesticides etc. Beside Parkinson symptoms there can be also present some other symptoms typical for the primary disorder. For example, high temperature in brain infection.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Quick Reply
Search