Neurology mnemonic

Cardinal features of Parkinson disease

The mnemonic

TRAP

What each word stands for

  • TResting tremor
  • RRigidity (cogwheel or lead-pipe)
  • AAkinesia or bradykinesia
  • PPostural instability

Why it matters clinically

Bradykinesia plus one other feature is needed for the clinical diagnosis.

Where it stops being reliable

Non-motor features such as anosmia and REM sleep disorder are not captured.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Neurology mnemonic?

TRAP. It helps you recall: Cardinal features of Parkinson disease.

What does "T" stand for?

Resting tremor

What does "R" stand for?

Rigidity (cogwheel or lead-pipe)

What does "A" stand for?

Akinesia or bradykinesia

What are all the parts of the TRAP mnemonic?

T: Resting tremor; R: Rigidity (cogwheel or lead-pipe); A: Akinesia or bradykinesia; P: Postural instability.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Neurology in General Medicine.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Non-motor features such as anosmia and REM sleep disorder are not captured.

How is this useful clinically?

Bradykinesia plus one other feature is needed for the clinical diagnosis.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Medicine question about Neurology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.