| Pathology. parkinsonism. |
[pahr-kin-suh-niz-uh
m] 
| a common neurologic disease believed to be caused by deterioration of the brain cells that produce dopamine, occurring primarily after the age of 60, characterized by tremors, esp. of the fingers and hands, muscle rigidity, shuffling gait, slow speech, and a masklike facial expression. |
| Par·kin·son's disease (pär'kĭn-sənz) n. A progressive nervous disease occurring most often after the age of 50, associated with the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine and characterized by muscular tremor, slowing of movement, partial facial paralysis, peculiarity of gait and posture, and weakness. Also called paralysis agitans, shaking palsy. [After James Parkinson (1755-1824), British physician.] |
A chronic disease of the nervous system that usually strikes in late adult life, resulting in a gradual decrease in muscle control. Symptoms of the disease include shaking, weakness, and partial paralysis of the face. Certain drugs can help alleviate some of its symptoms.
Parkinsonism Par·kin·son·ism or par·kin·son·ism (pär'kĭn-sə-nĭz'əm)
n.
Any of a group of nervous disorders similar to Parkinson's disease, marked by muscular rigidity, tremor, and impaired motor control and often having a specific cause, such as the use of certain drugs or frequent exposure to toxic chemicals. Also called Parkinson's syndrome.
Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease Par·kin·son's disease (pär'kĭn-sənz)
n.
A progressive nervous disease occurring most often after the age of 50, associated with the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine, and characterized by muscular tremor, slowing of movement, partial facial paralysis, peculiarity of gait and posture, and weakness. Also called paralysis agitans.
| Parkinson's disease (pär'kĭn-sənz) Pronunciation Key
A progressive neurologic disease occurring most often after the age of 50, associated with the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine. Individuals with Parkinson's disease exhibit tremors while at rest, slowing of movement, stiffening of gait and posture, and weakness. The disease is named after its discoverer, British physician and paleontologist James Parkinson (1755-1824). |