Treatment of constipation in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Constipation, defined as less than three bowel movements per week, is a common autonomic symptom seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease. It often begins years before the classic motor features of the disease and results from slow transit through the colon or dyssynergic defecation dysfunction. Treatment should begin with conservative, non-pharmacological measures. If needed, pharmacotherapy supported by level I evidence is available. This chapter will present a typical case and subsequently review the presentation, appropriate workup, as well as both the non-pharmacological and pharmacological management of constipation in Parkinson’s disease.