[The assessment of the degree of severity and progression in the parkinsonian syndrome].

A scale is proposed, assessing gravity of the Parkinson's syndrome, elaborated on the basis of the knowledge gained from the authors' own experience and from that of other workers in different parts of the world, to be used in clinical practice and in research. The scale holds 6 items enabling one to assess the extent of motor impairment by the main symptoms: tremor, rigidity and akinesia as well as by the main functional disorders such as walking, facial expression and speech, ability to look after himself/herself. Each item of the scale is ranged according to the 6-score system. A method is proposed, based on the rating scale, of assessing the rate of progression of the Parkinson's syndrome, enabling one to reveal the most progressive symptoms as targets for pharmacotherapy.