Can a Stroke Cause Parkinson's Disease | CanPharm

When people think of Parkinson’s disease, they often picture a slow-moving condition that develops with age and causes tremors or stiffness. But what if those symptoms come on suddenly after a stroke? Can a stroke cause Parkinson’s disease, or something that looks like it? While the two conditions are distinct, strokes can sometimes lead to a form of parkinsonism that mimics Parkinson’s in surprising ways.

Relationship Between Strokes and Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It’s most commonly caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, particularly in an area called the substantia nigra. Symptoms usually build slowly over time and may include tremors, muscle rigidity, slow movement, and balance problems. But there’s also something known as vascular parkinsonism, which is caused not by neurodegeneration, but by damage from small strokes in parts of the brain that control movement. 

So while a stroke doesn’t cause Parkinson’s disease in the traditional sense, it can lead to Parkinson-like symptoms. Vascular parkinsonism tends to develop more suddenly and may primarily affect the lower body. People may experience difficulty walking, frequent falls, or stiffness in the legs rather than the classic resting tremor seen in idiopathic Parkinson’s. In some cases, these symptoms may not respond well to traditional 

Parkinson’s medications like levodopa.

What’s going on in the brain is different, too. A stroke disrupts blood flow and causes localized damage to specific areas, especially if it affects regions like the basal ganglia that are involved in movement. This is what can lead to vascular parkinsonism. In contrast, true Parkinson’s disease is caused by the gradual and widespread degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons over time, particularly in the substantia nigra. Despite these different mechanisms, the symptoms can look similar, especially in older adults who often have vascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of mini-strokes. This overlap can make diagnosis tricky, and it's why a thorough neurological evaluation is so important.

Treatment

If you or someone you know is experiencing new mobility issues after a stroke, it’s important to see a neurologist. Determining whether the symptoms are due to vascular parkinsonism or early Parkinson’s disease can guide appropriate treatment. Since vascular parkinsonism doesn’t typically respond well to standard Parkinson’s medications, the focus often shifts to managing underlying stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, and making lifestyle changes. Physical therapy also plays a key role in improving mobility and maintaining quality of life in both conditions.

Takeaway

So, can Parkinson's disease be caused by a stroke? While a stroke doesn’t directly cause Parkinson’s disease, it can result in Parkinson-like symptoms through a condition known as vascular parkinsonism. The two may look alike on the surface, but the causes and treatments can differ. If symptoms appear after a stroke, especially involving leg stiffness or gait problems, don’t assume it’s just part of recovery. Getting a full neurological evaluation can be beneficial in the long run. Early support and a tailored care plan can make a real difference.