Purposeless Groaning in Parkinson's Disease

J Mov Disord. 2018 May;11(2):87-88. doi: 10.14802/jmd.18004. Epub 2018 May 30.

Abstract

Purposeless groaning has been reported in advanced progressive supranuclear palsy. We present a case of purposeless groaning occurring as a primary complaint in a patient with advanced Parkinson's disease. Purposeless groaning is thought to be a manifestation of disinhibition and perseveration due to frontal-subcortical dysfunction. Proper recognition of this phenomenon will help clinicians to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment (e.g., prescription of opioid medications).

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; groaning; moaning.