Consensus statement for the optimisation of Parkinson’s medicines in hospital

Summary

For the vast majority of people with Parkinson’s, medication is the only means of controlling their symptoms. If medication is not given in accordance to their routine, this may result in people being:

• unable to swallow (increasing the risk of aspiration)
• unable to speak and/or move (increasing their dependence on staff)

At worst, Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (also called neuroleptic-like malignant syndrome) may develop which can be fatal.

This statement from Parkinson's UK, aims to answer the question:

For inpatients with Parkinson’s who need medication to manage their symptoms, what are the key issues that need to be addressed throughout their hospital admission and how can these be best managed?

If it is possible that you will see an inpatient who has Parkinson’s, this statement is for you.