Understanding Juvenile Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is an incurable condition that can be minimized with effective treatment. Normally, Parkinson’s affects people over the age of 50. 

Of the 1 million people in the country with Parkinson’s, about 2% to 4% of them received a diagnosis when they were younger than 50. Called young-onset Parkinson’s disease, it still tends to affect adults. 

Juvenile Parkinson’s disease is more accurately described as parkinsonism because it’s not a true form of Parkinson’s disease, despite the similarity in symptoms. The good news is that children with parkinsonism respond well to treatment.

Tremors and muscle stiffness are alarming when your child is affected. The pediatric neurosurgery team at Coast Neurosurgical Associates has the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat parkinsonism and other forms of neurological disorders that affect movement in children.

Symptoms of juvenile parkinsonism

There are four primary symptoms of juvenile parkinsonism. Diagnosis requires consideration of your child’s age, a review of their medical history, and observing at least two of these four signature signs, including: 

• Tremors
• Weak balance
• Bradykinesia, or slowed body movements
• Stiff muscles

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain may also help develop our diagnosis. 

Causes of juvenile parkinsonism

Unlike Parkinson’s disease, which results from the breakdown of neurons in the brain, the symptoms of juvenile parkinsonism usually are a side effect of medications or other brain conditions. 

Children with behavioral and emotional conditions may be treated with medications that lower the levels of natural dopamine. 

Other causes are severe head trauma or genetic conditions that alter brain chemistry, including Tay-Sachs disease. 

Treating juvenile parkinsonism

When your child’s tremors and movement symptoms result from a dopamine-reducing medication, changing prescriptions or discontinuing the drug might be all that is needed. 

When juvenile parkinsonism is due to a brain condition, managing the condition often reduces Parkinson's-like symptoms. 

Young-onset Parkinson’s disease

Although rare, older teens may develop young-onset Parkinson’s disease. While the exact cause of any case of Parkinson’s isn’t clear, young-onset Parkinson’s is more likely to have a genetic connection. 

The progression of young-onset Parkinson’s disease is generally slower than with older adults. Symptoms may be milder, so those impacted retain cognitive ability and function for longer. 

Regardless of your child’s age or the cause of their symptoms, consult with the physicians at Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California. Book an appointment online or call our office directly to plan your visit today. We are here to help you in every way possible.