Final answer:
A patient with parkinsonism and autonomic symptoms like orthostatic hypotension is likely to have multiple system atrophy (MSA), differentiated from Parkinson's disease (PD) by the broader range of systemic controls affected.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with parkinsonism who is experiencing orthostatic hypotension, impotence, incontinence, or other autonomic symptoms is likely suffering from multiple system atrophy (MSA). MSA is known for causing a loss of control over many systems in the body and is associated with autonomic failure. This distinguishes it from Parkinson's disease (PD), which primarily affects the muscular system and movement, and its hallmark features include muscle tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability due to the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. PD patients may eventually develop cognitive symptoms like dementia, as well as psychological issues such as depression.