A Fall in the Workplace Leads to a Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

A 62 year old male worker sustained a head contusion from a fall in the workplace. When assessing the mechanism of the fall, it was noted that the worker stated that his feet became "stuck" and would not move. He also stated that he could not move fast enough to break his fall. Upon physical examination, a resting tremor was noted as well as upper and lower body rigidity, and a festinating gait. The worker was evaluated by a neurologist and diagnosed with early Parkinson's disease.