A clinical disability rating for Parkinson patients

A clinical rating scale for the motor aspects of Parkinson disability has been developed. This scale makes it possible to relate the functional disability of the patient with the variables of general mobility at rest, rigidity, contractures and deformities, and tremor. The interrelationship of the variables can also be studied. The scale permits quick comparison of the ratings of an individual patient with the composite ratings of a group of patients. Differences in laterality of function can be assessed. The importance of psychotropic drugs and methocarbamol in the control of tremor is supported by this scale. No statistical difference in the scores of the patients on high doses of anti-Parkinson medications as compared to low doses could be found. Pulmonary functions showed distinct correlations with the total score. Relationships with the individual variables of the score proved of greater importance in determining how pulmonary functions are affected by the Parkinsonian's disability.