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These include tremor, slowed movements, and stiffness. A person can develop secondary Parkinsonism from a variety of different causes. These can include adverse reactions to medications, neurodegenerative disorders, and brain damage, among others. This article reviews what secondary Parkinsonism is, how it compares with Parkinson’s disease, potential causes, and more. What is it Share on PinterestStefan Wasner/EyeEm/ Getty ImagesParkinsonism is an umbrella term. It covers several different conditions that can cause movement problems similar to those seen in Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movements. Secondary Parkinsonism can develop as a result of several potential causes. The most common cause is a reaction to, or side effect of, specific medications such as calcium channel blockers or neuroleptics. Vs Parkinson s disease Parkinson’s UK states that Parkinson’s disease is a type of Parkinsonism. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition with a well-defined cause and symptoms. Secondary Parkinsonism develops as a result of medication side effects, brain damage, or neurodegenerative diseases. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Parkinson’s disease affects the nerve cells in the substantia nigra, which is the part of the brain that controls movement. As these nerve cells become impaired or die, they lose the ability to produce dopamine. Dopamine works with other neurotransmitters to allow for regular movement. Without enough dopamine, a person’s balance is disrupted, resulting in movement issues, stiffness, and tremor. In addition to motor issues, a person can develop other symptoms, including depression, cognitive changes, and gastrointestinal issues. Treatments can overlap between the two conditions. However, medications are not as effective for treating secondary Parkinsonism. Causes The most common cause of secondary Parkinsonism is a reaction to medications that have certain effects on the nervous system. A 2022 article states that some common types of medications that may cause the condition include:first-generation antipsychotics, including:fluphenazinehaloperidoltrifluoperazinesecond-generation antipsychotics, including:risperidoneziprasidoneolanzapineantiemetic agents and prokinetic medications, including:metoclopramidedomperidonelevosulpirideprochlorperazinedopamine-depleting drugs, including:tetrabenazinereserpineother medications, including:valproic acidantidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorslithiumcalcium channel blockers Medical conditions also cause secondary Parkinsonism, including:normal-pressure hydrocephalus, which is an abnormal buildup of spinal fluid in the brainbrain damage due to a vascular event, such as a stroke or bleedrepeated head injuryprolonged exposure to heavy metals and industrial toxins, such as manganese or irona brain tumorhypoxia, or low oxygen levels in the body tissues Some viral infections have an association with brain damage that could cause secondary Parkinsonism. These include:influenza AEpstein-Barr virusvaricella zoster virushepatitis CHIVWest Nile virus Symptoms Symptoms of secondary Parkinsonism are similar to those of Parkinson’s disease. They can include:tremorslow movementdecrease in facial expressionstrouble starting and controlling movementsoft voicestiffness of the arms, legs, or trunkmemory lossconfusion A person may also experience symptoms related to an underlying condition that may be causing secondary Parkinsonism. Diagnosis There is no specific test for diagnosing secondary Parkinsonism. However, testing can help a doctor determine the underlying cause. A doctor may:perform a physical examinationreview a person’s family historyreview a person’s medical historyask about symptoms A doctor may perform imaging tests, such as a CT or MRI scan, to check for vascular lesions, brain tumors, or other abnormalities. They may also suggest a dopamine transporter scan. This allows them to check the function of the dopamine transporters in a person’s brain. A doctor will also have to rule out atypical Parkinsonism. Atypical Parkinsonism includes syndromes that are similar to Parkinson’s disease, such as progressive supranuclear palsy and dementia with Lewy bodies. They may order blood tests to help rule out other causes of symptoms. They may also order genetic testing. Treatment Treatment for secondary Parkinsonism will vary based on the underlying cause of the condition. If medication is the cause, a doctor will likely recommend stopping the medication or replacing it with another. They may prescribe anticholinergic medications, such as benztropine and trihexyphenidyl, to treat drug-induced Parkinsonism. A doctor may also prescribe medications that treat Parkinson’s disease, such as levodopa or carbidopa. In rare cases, they may recommend electroconvulsive therapy. Treatments for other causes of secondary Parkinsonism involve treating the underlying condition. In some cases, treatments, such as the removal of a brain tumor, may lead to a reduction in symptoms. Doctors may also recommend:ensuring the diet contains balanced nutritionincreasing daily activityoccupational therapyadaptive strategies, such as installing grab bars in the home Outlook A person’s overall outlook will depend on:the underlying cause of the conditiontheir ageonset of symptomshow well the administered treatments work for them In some cases, a person may find that treatment causes their symptoms to stabilize or stop entirely. Possible complications Secondary Parkinsonism is associated with several potential complications. These can include:fall-related injuriesdifficulty completing daily tasksvarying degrees of disabilitymedication side effects When to contact a doctor A person should contact a doctor if they experience symptoms related to secondary Parkinsonism. A doctor will diagnose any underlying causes and provide treatment options. Is it possible to prevent secondary Parkinsonism Not all cases of secondary Parkinsonism are preventable. To avoid repeated head injuries, people can avoid taking part in contact sports or wear a helmet when there is a risk of head injury. Summary Secondary Parkinsonism is a condition that causes tremor, muscle movement issues, and other symptoms commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease. Secondary Parkinsonism can occur due to a variety of potential underlying causes. The most common is a reaction to certain medications. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying condition. After receiving treatment, a person may find that their symptoms ease, and in some cases, symptoms may disappear. Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2022Parkinson's DiseaseNeurology / NeuroscienceDrugs 7 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Cohen, M. E., et al. (2020). A case of probable Parkinson's disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7494295/Gonzalez-Usigli, H. A. (2022). Secondary and atypical parkinsonism. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/neurologic-disorders/movement-and-cerebellar-disorders/secondary-and-atypical-parkinsonismHöllerhage, M. (2019). Secondary parkinsonism due to drugs, vascular lesions, tumors, trauma, and other insults [Abstract]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31779822/Parkinson's disease vs. Parkinsonism. (n.d.). https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/parkinsonismParkinson's disease. (n.d.). https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Parkinsons-DiseaseShrimanker, I., et al. (2022). Parkinsonism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542224/Types of parkinsonism. (n.d.).https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/types-parkinsonismFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — By Jenna Fletcher on September 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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