It is hard to say...yes, it sounds as if your mom has classic PD symptoms. It is not unusual for a major stress on our systems to induce PD- I have heard of it emerging after a car accident, divorce, etc. What is highly unusual is the sudden onslaught of multiple symptoms at once. PD is usually pretty slowly progressing and when things like freezing or balance are at play early on, neurologists are (in current practice) urged to examine other conditions that mimic PD.

A few things come to mind:

1) Have all your mom's meds been carefully scrutinized? Some meds can cause Parkinsonian symptoms, so maybe research each surgery or back related one.

2) Is your mom being seen by a neurologist who is a Movement Disorder Specialist? This is imperative.

3) Would insurance cover a PET scan of the brain to check for dopamine levels?

4) There is a condition that mimics Parkinsonism but is reversible. Is it encephalitis? Anyone know of this?

Levodopa or therapy with Sinemet should improve your mother's quality of life if it is indeed PD. Here's hoping you find some answers soon.

Hope this helps a little.

Laura