Parkinsonillness.com

Parkinson illness develops very slowly and the first sign of the disease may be a very fine tremor in the hands. Later, Parkinsons disease symptoms may include freezing movements, upper body rigidity and a mask-like face. These features are almost always noticed first by the family. Soon the speech gets softer and difficult to decipher. Unfortunately there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD) but there are medications that can help control its symptoms.

The symptoms of PD do vary and may go unnoticed for many months. The classic Parkinsons disease symptoms include:

• Tremors which often begins in the hand and is often referred to as pill rolling.
• Slow body movements make all tasks very difficult. The steps become shorter and often the gait freezes.
• Muscle rigidity of the limbs and neck is also common and may even cause pain.
• Posture and balance also worsen and falls are common in the later stages.

As the disease worsens, the face becomes mask-like and the individual can’t smile, swing the arms and never blinks the eyes. The speech is generally soft, monotonous and slurred. In the later stages, some individuals do develop memory problems, confusion and agitation. No one knows why Parkinsons disease occurs but the disorder does tend to run in families. Men are more likely to be affected than women.

The diagnosis of PD can be difficult in the early stages because there are several other brain disorders which can present with similar features. The diagnosis is based on the history and physical exam. Radiological studies like CT scans or MRI are only done to rule out any structural problems with the brain.

As Parkinsons disease progresses it can lead to depression, difficulty with sleep and swallowing food, inability to pass urine, constipation, and loss of libido. Moreover, medications used to treat PD also have side effects that may induce twitching of muscles, drop in blood pressure and sleepiness.

Parkinsons treatment is based chiefly on medications. The treatment of PD with medications can provide dramatic relief within a short time, but the benefits of most drugs diminish in the long term. Medications like L dopa or dopamine agonists (Mirapex, Requip, pergolide, Selegiline) do help PD individuals. All individuals who have PD should enter a physical therapy program to improve mobility, range of motion and muscle tone. Exercise cannot stop PD from progressing but can help gait and balance. Moreover, speech therapy can help swallowing and speaking.

Surgery for Parkinsons treatment is still experimental. Deep brain stimulation is used in advanced cases when medications have failed. Deep brain stimulation does help resolve tremor but the treatment only works well in less than 5% of individuals. Moreover, surgery also has risks like bleeding, infection or a stroke which can be worse than the disease itself.

When PD has been diagnosed it is important to eat healthy and walk carefully. There are many support groups in most communities and this can help one better understand and cope with the disease. Other aspects of treatment include massage therapy, tai chi or Yoga. Many herbal supplements are marketed for treatment for PD but there is no evidence that any of them works. Before you seek alternative care for Parkinson illness, speak to your physician first.

• Health Research

  • Generic Cialis
  • Neurology Channel – Parkinsons
  • Parkinson Study Group