Atypical parkinsonism/MSA: Are anger and violence symptoms?

@flycubs
Thanks.

I have a movement disorder. Functional Neurological Disorder. FND

I have tremors that are quick. Parkinson’s tremors are slow.
I can’t walk a straight line, I get muscle aches. Double vision, and trouble using my fingers ard a part of it.

A Neurologist who specializes in Movement Diseases diagnosed me.

@scouter

There is a Parkinson’s Plus disease (PSP) in which eye movement downward is almost diagnostic. But it’s rare and a lot of doctors haven’t seen it. In my opinion you should find a doctor who knows about the rarer Parkinson’s Plus diseases. Generally I think they recommend as much exercising as you are comfortable with (with precautions around falling) but to get the most benefit from the exercises, you add certain ones recommended by a physical and occupational therapist. (I am not a medical professional but have a family member with PSP and have learned a lot about it.) Best Wishes

@scouter
I am not a doctor, but I have MSA. And my recommendation is YES, you should continue to work out !! It’s the best thing you can do to slow the progression (in my opinion). Each time you exercise, you are forcing your mind to interact with your muscles. And if you have to adapt things progress, that’s OK. It’s akin to doing crossword puzzles to keep your brain sharp.

I’m sorry to hear about your balance issues. If it is. Parkinson’s, rest assured you are not alone. There are many wonderful support communities out there. My parting advice is to find a good neurologist, (one who specializes in movement disorders) and get a thorough evaluation to determine if it is really Parkinson’s. Good luck !

The doctor did not say anything about the next step in the eye movement or
working out (should have asked). Although, he said I could have Parkinson's
disease. It was only lately that I diagnosed I did have parkinsons (have no
tremors). I have Parkinsons and there is no cure. I continue to work out
doing physical therapy and other workouts. My question is if this is
inevitable, do I continue to work out.

Hi, @scouter - sorry to hear the doctor did not believe you about the falling down a lot. I don't know why in the world you'd ever make that up? Glad to hear you have no tumor. That's a relief. But finding out you cannot move your eyes downward in the testing is interesting.

What did your doctor say was the next step with your eye movement? Did you by chance get to ask the doctor if you can safely continue to work out, and if so, what he or she recommends if balance is a challenge?

I have Parkinsons. I visited a doctor who did not believe me (I told him I fall down a lot). I got an MRI to see if I had a tumor (none). I emailed him saying I dramatically fell getting out of my car, which led me back to the doctor's office. He performed tests and discovered that I could not move my eyes downward. I do not have any tremors, but have balance issues. I work out daily. Do you think I should continue working out?

Hello,

I am sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis. I was diagnosed with MSA-P at the Mayo Clinic in August of 2024. It is a rapidly developing disease. I haven’t experienced any anger or violence symptoms. But I do deal with pseudobulbar (you might have to google that…I did) tendencies. Experiences that should elicit joy and laughter sometimes make me cry. I’m not really sad, but am unable to control it. I always wonder what people think about me when it happens in public !

@lyndsm I’m very sorry for your loss.

In your experience did you hear of a patient being diagnosed with MSA-Type C when they had no issue with autonomic, bladder & sweating? My husband was diagnosed 12/4/25, scheduled for skin biopsy 2/11/26 & is still waiting to get an appointment with the MSA Clinic at UT Southwestern Medical Center. We’re anxious to get to the clinic as our list of questions is growing & we hope it’s the entry point for clinical trial qualification. The National Ataxia Foundation has a lot of information, although it’s very depressing to think of the journey we face. We registered for their national conference in April.

How long did your husband have symptoms before diagnosis? My husband started with gait issues 3 years ago, perhaps longer, we’re trying to determine the accurate starting point.

May God give you His comfort, strength, love & peace during your grieving process.

I am sorry you are experiencing this with your husband. My husband, who has PD, also becomes easily irritated. So far no violence, but I do anticipate it may come. I have witnessed many PD and Alzheimers patients become volatile. They can't help it. Parkinson’s not only can effect movement, but it also alters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals help regulate mood and impulse control. When these are off, irritability, anger, and sudden emotional outbursts can show up. My experience with some PD patients is that sometimes their actions are not out of anger but out of fear. It is a difficult process to watch and handle for him and you. One thing I have used to reduce the irritation is changing the discussion or distracting his thought process. My prayers go out to you and your family. Know you are not alone!