Freezing of gait: overview on etiology, treatment, and future directions

Abstract

Background: Freezing of gait (FOG) is a disabling motor symptom occurring mainly in the advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: This review outlines the clinical manifestation of FOG and its relationship with levodopa treatment, the differential diagnosis with respect to other neurodegenerative and secondary forms and the available treatment. Results: We report the proposed models explaining the FOG phenomenon and summarize the available knowledge on FOG etiology’s potential genetic contribution. A complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying FOG in PD is essential to find the best therapy. Different treatment options exist but are still not entirely successful, and often a combination of approaches is needed. Conclusions: Further studies focusing on the potential genetic role in FOG may increase the knowledge on the FOG etiology and pathophysiology, allowing further individualized treatment strategies for this very disabling phenomenon.