Hospital Management of Parkinson Disease Patients

Abstract

Management of patients with Parkinson disease (PD) during inpatient hospital stays is complex and poses unique challenges for physicians and ancillary staff. Patients with PD have a high risk of complications, encephalopathy, and prolonged hospital stay. Early recognition of complications and implementation of rehabilitation strategies along with appropriate management of medications are critical to improve outcomes. Patients with PD can exhibit worsening mobility and balance, insomnia, orthostatic hypotension, multiple neuropsychiatric symptoms, and gastrointestinal dysfunction while hospitalized. This review summarizes the specific in-hospital concerns observed in patients with PD and discusses potential treatment approaches.

Keywords: Delirium; Falls; Hospitalization; Inpatient management; Parkinson disease; Surgery.