Ricerc@Sapienza

Introduction: Vertigo and disequilibrium are common symptoms in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). Hearing loss has been recently recognized as an additional non-motor feature in PD. The aim of this study is to evaluate audio-vestibular function in patients affected by PD and MSA. Methods: Fifteen patients with PD, 16 patients with MSA and 20 age-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled.

Objective: Differentiating Parkinson's disease (PD) from atypical parkinsonian disorders (APD) such as Multiple System Atrophy, parkinsonian type (MSA-p) or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP-RS) can be challenging. Early signs of postural Instability and gait disability (PIGD) are considered clues that may signal presence of APD. However, it remains unknown which PIGD test – or combination of tests – can best distinguish PD from APD.

Multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are the most common atypical parkinsonisms. These disorders are characterized by varying combinations of autonomic, cerebellar and pyramidal system, and cognitive dysfunctions. In this paper, we reviewed the evidence available on the presence and type of neuropsychiatric disturbances in MSA, PSP, and CBD. A MedLine, Excerpta Medica, PsycLit, PsycInfo, and Index Medicus search was performed to identify all articles published on this topic between 1965 and 2018.