Atypical parkinsonism: diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Atypical parkinsonism comprises typically progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and mutilple system atrophy, which are distinct pathologic entities; despite ongoing research, their cause and pathophysiology are still unknown, and there are no biomarkers or effective treatments available. The expanding phenotypic spectrum of these disorders as well as the expanding pathologic spectrum of their classic phenotypes makes the early differential diagnosis challenging for the clinician. Here, clinical features and investigations that may help to diagnose these conditions and the existing limited treatment options are discussed.

Keywords: Atypical parkinsonism; Corticobasal degeneration; Diagnosis; Multiple system atrophy; Progressive supranuclear palsy.