18 November 2014
Two simple tests conducted during the neurological exam can help clinicians differentiate between early-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonism. By asking patients to perform a tandem gait test and inquiring whether they are still able to ride a bicycle, clinicians can ascertain whether medio-lateral balance is impaired, a defining characteristic of atypical parkinsonism. These findings are published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.
This issue of the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease also marks the inauguration of a new feature, “How I examine my patient,” which is designed to help improve the clinical skills of physicians, allied health professionals, and other professionals involved in the care of patients with PD and other movement disorders.
The occurrence of a sideways or medio-lateral balance impairment is a “red flag” of atypical parkinsonism conditions, such as multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy, or vascular parkinsonism. As the condition progresses, patients with this deficit often compensate by adopting a wide-based walking pattern, probably reflecting widespread pathologic brain involvement of the cerebellum and brain stem, explains Jorik Nonnekes, MD, of the Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Rehabilitation, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
In contrast, patients with PD develop a shuffling gait, maintaining a narrow distance between their feet. Because medio-lateral balance is preserved, a PD patient may still be able to ride a bicycle even when walking is difficult.
In the first test, 36 patients with PD and 49 patients with atypical parkinsonism were given a tandem gait test. Patients were instructed to take 10 consecutive steps along an imaginary straight, thin line, toe-to-heel. An abnormal tandem gait was scored if one or more side steps were needed to maintain balance. The researchers found that 18% of patients with atypical parkinsonism were able to perform the tandem gait test without a single side step, compared with 92% of patients with PD. The results were similar for patients with only early disease (< 3 years).
Another study included 45 patients with PD and 64 patients with atypical parkinsonism, all of whom said they previously rode bicycles before the onset of motor symptoms. When asked if they still were able to ride a bicycle, 52% of the atypical parkinsonism patients said they had stopped cycling compared to 2% of those with PD.
“Both tests are easy to perform in clinical practice and have a good diagnostic accuracy, even early in the course of the disease,” says Dr. Nonnekes. He adds that the tests should always be judged in the clinical context and presence of other red flags or supportive features.
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NOTES FOR EDITORS
“Medio-lateral balance impairment differentiates between Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism,” by Jorik Nonnekes, Marjolein B. Aerts, W.F. Abdo, Bastiaan R. Bloem (DOI: 10.3233/JPD-14036). Volume 4, Issue 4 (November 2014).
“How I examine my patient: The art of neurological examination for Parkinson’s disease,” by Bastiaan R. Bloem, MD, PhD, and Patrik Brundin, MD, PhD (DOI: 10.3233/JPD-149006). Volume 4, Issue 4 (November 2014).
Full text of the articles is available to credentialed journalists upon request. Contact Daphne Watrin, IOS Press, at +31 20 688 3355, d.watrin@iospress.nl to obtain a copy or additional information. Journalists wishing to interview the authors should contact Dr. Bastiaan R. Bloem at +31-24-3615202 or bas.bloem@radboudumc.nl.
ABOUT THE JOURNAL OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE (JPD)
Launched in June 2011 the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease is dedicated to providing an open forum for original research in basic science, translational research and clinical medicine that will expedite our fundamental understanding and improve treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The journal is international and multidisciplinary and aims to promote progress in the epidemiology, etiology, genetics, molecular correlates, pathogenesis, pharmacology, psychology, diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It publishes research reports, reviews, short communications, and letters-to-the- editor and offers very rapid publication and an affordable open access option.
ABOUT IOS PRESS
Commencing its publishing activities in 1987, IOS Press (www.iospress.nl) serves the information needs of scientific and medical communities worldwide. IOS Press now (co-)publishes over 100 international journals and about 130 book titles each year on subjects ranging from computer sciences and mathematics to medicine and the natural sciences.
IOS Press continues its rapid growth, embracing new technologies for the timely dissemination of information. All journals are available electronically and an e-book platform was launched in 2005.
Headquartered in Amsterdam with satellite offices in the USA, Germany, India and China, IOS Press has established several strategic co-publishing initiatives. Notable acquisitions included Delft University Press in 2005 and Millpress Science Publishers in 2008.
