MS and Parkinson’s disease are two diseases affecting the central nervous system. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune, T-cell mediated inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. On the other hand, Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder characterized by a decline in the dopamine level of the brain. Although MS is an autoimmune disorder, there is no immune component in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. This is the key difference between MS and Parkinson’s. Show
CONTENTS1. Overview and Key Difference What is MS?Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune, T-cell mediated inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. Multiple areas of demyelination are found in the brain and the spinal cord. The incidence of MS is higher among women. MS mostly occurs between 20 and 40 years of age. The prevalence of the disease varies according to the geographical region and ethnic background. Three commonest presentations of MS are;
Patients with MS are susceptible to other autoimmune disorders. Both genetic and environmental factors influence the pathogenesis of the disease. PathogenesisT cell-mediated inflammatory process occurs mainly in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord, producing plaques of demyelination. 2-10mm sized plaques are usually found in the optic nerves, periventricular region, corpus callosum, brain stem and its cerebellar connections and cervical cord. In MS, peripheral myelinated nerves are not directly affected. In the severe form of the disease, permanent axonal destruction occurs, resulting in progressive disability. Types of Multiple Sclerosis
Common Signs and Symptoms
In late MS, severe debilitating symptoms, with optic atrophy, nystagmus, spastic tetraparesis, ataxia, brainstem signs, pseudobulbar palsy, urinary incontinence and cognitive impairment can be seen. Figure 01: MS DiagnosisDiagnosis of MS can be made if the patient has had 2 or more attacks affecting different parts of the CNS. MRI is the standard investigation used in the confirmation of clinical diagnosis. CT and CSF examination can be done to provide further supportive evidence for the diagnosis if necessary. ManagementThere is no definitive cure for MS. But several immunomodulatory drugs have been introduced to modify the course of the inflammatory relapsing-remitting phase of MS. These are known as Disease Modifying Drugs (DMDs). Beta-interferon and glatiramer acetate are examples of such drugs. Apart from drug therapy, general measures such as physiotherapy, supporting the patient with the help of a multidisciplinary team and occupational therapy can vastly improve the living standards of the patient. PrognosisThe prognosis of multiple sclerosis varies in an unpredictable manner. A high MR lesion load at the initial presentation, high relapse rate, male gender and late presentation are usually associated with a poor prognosis. Some patients continue to live a normal life with no apparent disabilities while some can get severely disabled. What is Parkinson’s?Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder characterized by a decline in the dopamine level of the brain. The cause of this condition still remains controversial. The risk of Parkinson’s disease significantly increases with advanced age. A familial inheritance of the disease has not yet been identified. PathologyThe appearance of Lewy bodies and loss of dopaminergic neurons in pars compacta of the substantia nigra region of midbrain are the hallmark morphological changes seen in the Parkinson’s disease. Clinical Features
Figure 02: Parkinson’s Disease DiagnosisThere is no laboratory test for the exact identification of Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, diagnosis is solely based on the signs and symptoms recognized during the clinical examination. MRI images appear to be normal most of the time. TreatmentThe patient and the family should be educated about the condition. Motor symptoms can be alleviated by the use of drugs such as dopamine receptor agonists and levodopa which restore the dopamine activity of the brain. Sleep disturbances and psychotic episodes should be managed appropriately. Dopamine antagonists such as neuroleptics can induce Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms in which case they are collectively known as Parkinsonism. What is the Similarity Between MS and Parkinson’s?
What is the Difference Between MS and Parkinson’s?
Summary – MS vs Parkinson’sMultiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune, T-cell mediated inflammatory disease affecting the Central Nervous System. Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder characterized by a decline in the dopamine level of the brain. Multiple sclerosis, as stated in its definition, is an autoimmune disease but Parkinson’s disease is not an autoimmune disease. This is the major difference between MS and Parkinson’s. Download PDF Version of MS vs Parkinson’sYou can download PDF version of this article and use it for offline purposes as per citation notes. Please download PDF version here Difference Between MS and Parkinson References:1. Kumar, Parveen J., and Michael L. Clark. Kumar & Clark clinical medicine. Edinburgh: W.B. Saunders, 2009. Image Courtesy:1. “Multiple Sclerosis” By BruceBlaus (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia Can Parkinsons be mistaken for MS?Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease are two medical conditions, which are often mistaken for each other, as both are progressive and have similar symptoms.
How do you test for MS or Parkinson's?Blood tests: These will help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms, such as vitamin deficiencies and other underlying medical conditions. MRI scans: MRI scans help identify inflammation, demyelination, and MS lesions.
What are the four cardinal signs of Parkinson's disease?Rest tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and loss of postural reflexes are generally considered the cardinal signs of PD. The presence and specific presentation of these features are used to differentiate PD from related parkinsonian disorders.
What disease has the same symptoms as Parkinson's disease?Conditions that Mimic Parkinson's. Essential Tremor. Essential tremor (ET) is a tremor involving the hands or forearms that occurs when the limbs are active. ... . Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. ... . Dementia with Lewy Bodies. ... . Multiple System Atrophy. ... . Corticobasal Syndrome. ... . Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.. |