Parkinsonism is a clinical
syndrome characterized by
tremor,
bradykinesia,
rigidity, and
postural instability. Parkinsonism shares symptoms found in
Parkinson's disease, from which it is named; but parkinsonism is a symptom complex, and differs from Parkinson disease which is a progressive neurodegenerative illness. The underlying causes of parkinsonism are numerous, and diagnosis can be complex. The
neurodegenerative condition
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common cause of parkinsonism. However, a wide range of other
etiologies may lead to a similar set of symptoms, including some
toxins, a few
metabolic diseases, and a handful of neurological conditions other than Parkinson's.