Summary

In general, Parkinson's disease is the result of a pathophysiologic process involving the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The loss of dopaminergic cells and the accompanying decrease in dopamine neurotransmission results in dysfunction of the globus pallidus interna and subthalamic nucleus, the outcome of which is difficulty in motor control.

The pathology of Parkinson's disease is indirectly observable via F-dopa PET scanning, in which decreased F-dopa uptake can be seen. Post-mortem, the presence of Lewy Bodies in remaining neurons are observable in the brain.

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