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Parkinson' s Disease
Medical Questions » Parkinson' s Disease
| Name: Parkinson' s Disease |
| Also known as: Paralysis Agitans; Parkinsonism; Shaking Palsy |
| One of the more common causes of a tremor in elderly people. |
Causes of Parkinson' s Disease
No known cause, but what happens in the brain to cause the symptoms is understood. When a muscle contracts, the opposite muscle must relax. For example, when you bend your finger, the muscles on the palm side of the finger contract, while those on the back of the finger must relax. This coordination occurs in the brain. In parkinsonism, the brain cells that control this coordination have degenerated so that smooth control of movement is lost. |
Symptoms of Parkinson' s Disease
Early signs are failure to swing the arm when walking, a deterioration in handwriting, and poor balance. Later symptoms are a constant tremor, general body stiffness, loss of facial expression, a stiff way of walking and lack of coordination. The intelligence and mental powers of victims are not affected in the early stages of the disease, and this causes great frustration, particularly when speech may be impaired. |
Tests for Parkinson' s Disease
No blood or other test is diagnostic. CT scans (special X-rays) may reveal changes in certain parts of the brain, as may electroencephalograms (EEG) which measure the electrical brain waves. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now being used in some centers. |
Treatment for Parkinson' s Disease
A number of drugs are available to control the symptoms and slow the progress of the disease, but it is a matter of trial and error to determine which medications will help any particular patient. Physiotherapy is also very important. In rare cases, brain surgery, in which part of the brain is destroyed in an attempt to block nerve pathways that cause the constant tremor, is performed.
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Complications of Parkinson' s Disease of its treatment
Patients may become depressed, anxious and emotionally disturbed. |
Likely Outcome of Parkinson' s Disease
No cure, but medications allow some patients to lead normal lives. The disease process progresses steadily over many years, rarely causing death, but causing otherwise normal people to become invalids, totally dependent on others for everyday tasks. |
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