Mild symptoms that do not interfere with daily activities or disrupt work duties may not require medication. When prescription drugs are needed, they help to manage symptoms, but they cannot stop the disease from progressing. Often, when a drug no longer effectively controls symptoms, another drug may be added to existing therapy. Optimal management is highly individualized and is best determined by a doctor who specializes in the Parkinson’s disease treatment.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the progressive deterioration of the nerve cells of the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. The parts of the brain that control muscle movement are the basal ganglia and the extrapyramidal area. In this condition, deterioration of this area of the brain reduces the amount of dopamine available to the body. When there is insufficient dopamine, the balance between dopamine and other transmitters, such as acetylcholine become unbalanced.
Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these neurons produce an important brain chemical known as dopamine. At least 500,000 people in the
Parkinson’s Disease symptoms
Tremor. The tremor associated with PD has a characteristic appearance. Typically, the tremor takes the form of a rhythmic back-and-forth motion at a rate of 4-6 beats per second. It may involve the thumb and forefinger and appear as a “pill rolling” tremor. Tremor often begins in a hand, although sometimes a foot or the jaw is affected first. It is most obvious when the hand is at rest or when a person is under stress. For example, the shaking may become more pronounced a few seconds after the hands are rested on a table. Tremor usually disappears during sleep or improves with intentional movement.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
This is currently used as a last resort when drugs no longer give benefits. Electrodes guided by X-rays (stereotactic surgery) are used to destroy the tiny areas of the brain responsible for tremor and abnormal movements. A device called a deep brain stimulator can also be used to give the same effect as stereotactic surgery, without destroying brain tissue. Radio surgery is a new technique currently available at only a few specialist centers. It uses high energy radiation to focus on very precise areas of the brain. A new treatment, where brain cells from human fetuses are transplanted into diseased areas of the brain, is at the experimental stage.
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