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Juvenile Parkinsonism

Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment

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Abstract

Juvenile parkinsonism, with onset prior to age 21 years, is a relatively rare syndrome. It is caused by a group of heterogeneous entities that can present with a clinical picture similar to idiopathic Parkinson’s disease or manifest parkinsonism as part of a spectrum of other signs. Diagnostic testing is guided by the presenting symptoms and aimed at uncovering potentially reversible and/or treatable causes. If an underlying condition is found, treatment is tailored accordingly. Otherwise, treatment is symptomatic and relies on medications commonly employed to treat idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Juvenile parkinsonism patients tend to be plagued by treatment-induced complications, so caution must be employed.

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Acknowledgements

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. Dr Thomsen was the recipient of the Boehringer-Ingelheim Clinical Movement Disorders Fellowship, awarded by the Parkinson Society of Canada. Dr Rodnitzky has received honoraria from Teva Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline and Mylan Pharmaceuticals, and grants from Kyowa Pharmaceuticals, Ipsen Pharmaceuticals, Merz Pharmaceuticals and Eisai Pharmaceuticals.

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  1. Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive - 2 RCP, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA

    Teri R. Thomsen & Robert L. Rodnitzky

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  1. Teri R. Thomsen
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Thomsen, T.R., Rodnitzky, R.L. Juvenile Parkinsonism. CNS Drugs 24, 467–477 (2010). https://doi.org/10.2165/11533130-000000000-00000

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