G21.4: Vascular parkinsonism

Vascular parkinsonism is a medical condition where symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, like slowed movement and tremors, occur as a result of small strokes or reduced blood flow in the brain. These smaller strokes typically damage the white matter (the communication lines) of the brain, disrupting the neural pathways. This form of parkinsonism differs from traditional Parkinson's disease as it often affects the lower body more than the upper body, with patients exhibiting difficulty walking or maintaining balance. Other symptoms can include infrequent or non-existent arm swing while walking and a sudden change in the ability to walk. This condition often progresses slower than classic Parkinson's disease and the response to Parkinson's medication might not be as effective. Because the brain damage is due to vascular issues, controlling cardiovascular risk factors can be an important part of managing this condition.