Category Internal Medicine

Encephalitis

Definition Encephalitis is a diffuse or focal inflammation of the parenchyma of the brain. The term encephalitis indicates that the predominant clinical syndrome arises from infection and inflammation in the parenchyma of the brain rather than in the leptomeninges. When…

Other Movement Disorders

Definition Movement disorders are first divided into hypokinetic and hyperkinetic categories. Hypokinetic disorders , which are characterized by akinesia, bradykinesia, and rigidity, are parkinsonian syndromes and are discussed in Chapter 378 . The common hyperkinetic movement disorders ( Table 379-1…

Parkinsonism

Parkinsonism is a clinical syndrome that consists of four cardinal signs: tremor, rigidity, akinesia, and postural disturbances. Parkinson disease is a common cause of the syndrome, but there are numerous other causes ( Table 378-1 ). TABLE 378-1 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS…