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Parkinson Disease - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment


Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder. It affects brain cells that produce a chemical called "Dopamine," which is responsible for smooth and coordinated body movements. As a result, this condition is also known as a "Movement Disorder." Although there is no known cause for this disease, its gradual progression reduces one's ability to move around with ease over time.

What causes Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease develops when the neurons that control movement in the brain are damaged or die. Parkinson's disease causes brain neurons to produce dopamine, a brain chemical that regulates movement, mood, and many other bodily functions.

Parkinson's disease also affects nerve endings involved in the production of norepinephrine, a brain chemical that regulates automatic functions in the body such as blood pressure, digestion, and heart rate.


Certain risk factors may increase your chances of developing Parkinson's disease, such as:

  • Being 60 or older, as the risk of Parkinson's disease increases with age.

  • Being a man, because men are more likely than women to develop Parkinson's disease.

  • Genetics, as having a relative with Parkinson's increases your chances of developing the disease.

  • Trauma to the head, as some people who have received multiple blows to the head have developed Parkinson's.

  • Toxins found in foods and water, as well as those used in farming and factories.


Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

According to the Parkinson's Foundation, researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors are to blame for Parkinson's disease. It can have various effects on people.


Parkinson's disease has four major symptoms:

  • Resting tremor (trembling in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face), which affects approximately 70% of people with Parkinson's disease.

  • Limb and trunk rigidity or stiffness

  • Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) (slowness of movement)

  • Balance/posture and coordination issues


Patients may experience difficulty walking, talking, or performing simple tasks as their symptoms worsen. A medical history and a physical exam with a movement disorders physician specialist are used to making a diagnosis. To consider a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, two of the four major symptoms must be present.


Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

There are no specific tests for Parkinson's disease, but your Parkinson's Disease Doctors may use a variety of methods to determine whether you have it. Your doctor will examine your medical history, speak with you or a family member about current signs and symptoms, and perform physical and neurological exams. To rule out other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms, your doctor may also order lab tests, a brain ultrasound, an MRI, and a PET scan.


In some cases, you may be given a medication called carbidopa-levodopa, which in the brain converts to dopamine. If your symptoms improve after starting this medication, your doctor may confirm that you have Parkinson's disease and recommend additional treatments.


Parkinson’s Treatment

While there is no solution for Parkinson's disease, medications, surgery, and other treatments can often help to relieve symptoms.


Medications


Parkinson's disease medications include:

  • Drugs that increase dopamine levels in the brain 

  • Drugs that affect other brain chemicals in the body 

  • Drugs that aid in the control of nonmotor symptoms


Deep brain stimulation


Deep brain stimulation entails implanting electrodes in the brain that send electrical pulses to dampen Parkinson's symptoms and reduce involuntary movements, tremors, and rigidity. This treatment is typically recommended for patients with advanced-stage Parkinson's disease who have not responded to medications, including levodopa.


Deep brain stimulation carries risks such as infection, stroke, and brain hemorrhage, and it may impair swimming ability. When discussing your treatment options, discuss with your doctor all potential risks associated with this surgery.


Pallidotomy


This procedure may benefit patients with advanced Parkinson's disease or those who do not respond to therapy. Pallidotomy is performed by inserting a wire probe into the globus pallidus, a quarter-inch-diameter part of the brain that controls movement. According to most Parkinson's doctors, the loss of dopamine causes this region to become hyperactive in people with Parkinson's. Lesions applied to the globus pallidus can help restore the balance required for proper movement.

Where Can I Get Good Parkinson's Treatment?

A large team of medical providers trained and experienced in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of Parkinson's Disease Treatment in Coimbatore. Make an appointment today by visiting our page.
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