Is Peripheral Neuropathy occurring in association with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease, an iatrogenic complication?

Abstract

Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) is primarily a movement disorder resulting from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons within the basal ganglia. However, it is not known if changes occur in PD other than traditional motor signs and symptoms, manifesting as non-motor problems such as autonomic or sensory abnormalities. The additional involvement of the peripheral nervous system in PD has only recently gained appreciation, particularly with a higher prevalence of peripheral neuropathy (PN). The concomitant occurrence of PN in PD has prompted speculation about the cause of PN, whether it has been an overlooked phenomenon of PD or a side effect of treatment with levodopa. The current study will investigate the occurrence of PN in newly diagnosed PD patients not yet treated with levodopa. In addition to gold-standard tests for PN, including neurological physical examination and nerve conduction studies, we will study new and sensitive techniques namely corneal confocal microscopy and skin biopsy, to search for subclinical indications of PN occurring in this patient population.