Parkinson's Disease – Ballism

Parkinson’s Disease (PD; Paralysis agitans; Shaking Palsy)

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's Disease (BP) is a progressive disease of movement. PD is characterized by the following disorders:

• Slow Motion (bradikineziâ);
• Tremor while in dormant;
• Muscle rigidity;
• Loss of reflexes, responsible for posture and balance.

Causes of Parkinson's disease

The reason BP – loss of functionality and the destruction of certain nerve cells in the brain. This leads to a decrease in production of the chemical substance, It called dopamine. Low levels of dopamine causes the symptoms of PD.

Problems brain cells may be due to a genetic defect, environmental factors or a combination of these reasons. A small number of people who have symptoms of Parkinson's disease at an early age, due to inheritance of a defective gene.

Risk factors for Parkinson's disease

PD is more common in men and in the age 50 and older. Other factors, which increase the likelihood of BP include:

• The presence of family members with PD;
• Exposure to toxins, insecticides such as, carbonic monoxide, or manganese;
• Taking certain medications, such as neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, antiemetics or cardiovascular preparations;
• The presence of certain diseases:
  • Polio;
  • High cholesterol;
  • Melanoma;
  • Gidrocefaliя;
  • Brain Tumors;
  • Stroke;
  • Encephalitis;
  • Meningitis;
  • AIDS;
• Trauma;
• Intravenous drug use.

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease begin to form a soft and deteriorate over time.

BP may cause:

• Problems with dexterity;
• Difficulties with activities of daily living;
• Fatigue;
• Stiffness and rigidity of muscles – usually, It begins on one side of the body;
• Tremor while in dormant. Tremor is reduced when driving and absent during sleep;
• The slowness when movements;
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as:
  • Depression;
  • Anxiety;
  • Imbecility;
  • Hallucinations;
• Difficulty walking;
• Bad Balance;
• Tendency to fall;
• Anosmia;
• Sleeping problems;
• Smooth, monotonous speech;
• Zaikanie;
• Problems with speech;
• Deadpan, with a slight change in facial expressions;
• Increased salivation;
• Rough or fine handwriting;
• Seborrhea (problem skin, which leads to the appearance of a rash on her red and white flakes);
• The problem of chewing and swallowing;
• Increased frequency and urgency of urination;
• Problems with defecation (voltage, constipation).

Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

There is no accurate tests, allowing definitively diagnose PD. The doctor will ask many questions on current illness, to help rule out other causes of the symptoms.

Necessary tests, to rule out other diseases, may include:

• Blood tests;
• Urine.

Medical imaging techniques allow to take pictures of the internal structures of the body. For this purpose, applied:

• CT scan;
• MRT;
• PET;
• A special type of PET, called DaTSCAN, It can be used to assess the degree of BP.

Treatment of Parkinson's disease

Currently, there are no treatments for PD. It is also not proven, that treatment will slow down or stop the progression of the disease. Some medications can help reduce symptoms of PD, However, when taking a long time side effects of the drug may be dangerous. Medications may also lose their effectiveness.

Medications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Medicines, which can be used for treatment of PD include:

• Levodopa-carbidopa;
• Agonistы dofamina;
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors;
• Antixolinergiki;
• Inhibitors of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT);
• Antivirals.

When BP and its treatment can occur depression or hallucinations. In order to cure these disorders can be assigned to different drugs:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs);
Tricyclic antidepressants;
Antipsychotics.

Hip fractures are frequent in patients with PD. Bisphosphonates can help reduce the risk of injury.

Constipation, drooling can be cured with the use of drugs or other treatments.

Operation in Parkinson's disease

There are many different operations on the brain, to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) – implanted a special device, to stimulate certain parts of the brain. The procedure can reduce tremor and rigidity;
• Thalamotomy and pallidotomy – destruction of certain brain regions, reducing tremor. Used, When medication does not bring the desired effect (It is used not so often, how deep brain stimulation);
• Transplantation of neural cells (It is under study) – procedure provides for increased production of dopamine in the brain.

Physiotherapy in Parkinson's disease

Therapy will help to improve muscle tone, power and ability to keep balance. It includes exercises and stretching. There is an opinion, that some benefit could bring tai chi.

Psychological support for Parkinson's disease

It is necessary to consider joining a support group of other patients with Parkinson's disease. It helps to know, others learn to live with the problems of BP.

If you are diagnosed with PD, Follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention of Parkinson's disease

At the moment, there is no any recommendations to prevent PSU.