A form of ‘atypical Parkinsonism’ in which Parkinson-type symptoms
are produced by one or more small strokes, rather than by a gradual
loss of nerve cells.
Several small strokes in the corpus striatum in the brain (the part
that receives information about position and movement) can cause
Parkinsonism symptoms, such as rigidity and slowness, walking with
short, shuffling steps and speech problems. This is known as vascular
(arteriosclerotic) Parkinsonism and can be difficult to distinguish
from Parkinson’s. However, stroke symptoms tend to appear suddenly and
do not progress, whereas those of Parkinson’s are gradual in appearance
and worsen over time.
More information and support on stroke is available from the Stroke Association – www.stroke.org.uk, or the Stroke Alliance for Europe – www.safestroke.org.
