Constipation in Parkinson's disease: Objective assessment and response to Psyllium

Waseem Ashraf, Ronald F. Pfeiffer, Faye Park, John Lof, Eamonn M.M. Quigley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

177 Scopus citations

Abstract

We evaluated the reliability of patient history and the effect of psyllium on symptoms and colorectal function in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and constipation. In all but two, constipation anteceded the development of parkinsonian symptoms. A comparison with prospectively obtained stool diaries confirmed the patients' reported constipation in 7 of the 12 patients. Those patients with confirmed constipation had lower stool weights and reported more straining at stool. Measures of colonic and anorectal function were similar in those who were truly constipated and those who were not. Among those PD subjects with confirmed constipation, psyllium increased stool frequency and weight but did not alter colonic transit or anorectal function. We conclude that prospectively obtained stool diaries should be employed to confirm constipation in PD and that psyllium produces both subjective and objective improvements in constipation related to PD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)946-951
Number of pages6
JournalMovement Disorders
Volume12
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Constipation
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Psyllium

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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