Category Archives: Parkinson’s Treatment

Although there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, there are several measures that can be taken to improve a patient's quality of life. These measure include drug and surgical therapy. The other options available include making lifestyle changes, and employing physical and speech therapy. One of the very first options suggested by doctors is medication. There are several drugs available. All with different roles. Most people manage Parkinson's Disease with medication. But in some cases severe symptoms can heavily reduce one's quality of life and sometimes the medications side effects are difficult to deal with. In situations like these, a surgical alternative may be sought. There are several surgical options available, these include: Just like any other surgery, there are risks. The major risk is bleeding in the brain that would cause a stroke. A stroke usually occurs during the surgery or a few hours after. The effect of the stroke can range anywhere from permanent brain damage to mild or permanent weakness and even death. When an electrode is implanted it can become dislodged but it is relatively easy to locate using MRI or CT scans. Additional surgery will be required to replace the electrode, increasing the risk of … Continue reading →

PARKINSON DISEASE OVERVIEW There are a wide variety of medical and surgical treatments available for Parkinson disease (PD). Medical treatment includes medications, education, support, exercise, physical and speech therapy, and nutrition. For some people with advanced Parkinson disease, surgical treatment with deep brain stimulation is another option. The optimal combination of treatments depends upon the person's signs and symptoms, age, stage and severity of disease, and their level of physical activity. The information that follows can help patients and family members to better understand the potential risks and benefits of medications. Other types of treatment are discussed separately. (See "Patient information: Parkinson disease treatment options education, support, and therapy (Beyond the Basics)".) The symptoms and diagnosis of PD are also discussed separately. (See "Patient information: Parkinson disease symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)".) WHEN TO START PARKINSON DISEASE TREATMENT The decision to start medication for Parkinson disease depends upon the severity of symptoms. The most important consideration is how much the symptoms interfere with the person's ability to perform daily activities. Another important factor is the person's personal philosophy about the use of medications. The healthcare provider, patient, and family (if applicable) should share in the decision making process. There … Continue reading →

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome? Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a specific type of abnormality of the electrical system of the heart. This syndrome causes a specific pattern on an electrocardiogram (Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern) and is linked to an episode of rapid heart rates, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or atrial fibrillation. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a treatable medical condition. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is also referred to as WPW syndrome and pre-excitation syndrome. Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome can affect all ages but is usually diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults. Except in rare circumstances, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is not a hereditary condition. The heart has internal electrical wiring that is essential for proper pumping of blood to the rest of the body. In some people, an abnormal extra wire is present. This additional connection can cause a short-circuiting that causes the heart to beat very rapidly. This causes abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) testing with rapid rate rhythms called supraventricular tachycardia or SVT. Of note, the presence of a cardiac arrhythmia such as SVT can be from other heart conditions that are not Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Individuals affected by Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can experience palpitations, rapid heart rates, difficulty breathing, and lightheadedness as well as near loss of consciousness and complete loss … Continue reading →

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but it can be managed -- and the symptoms of the disease can be relieved or reduced. Treating Parkinson's disease is often a "team effort" involving not only your neurologist but also a wide variety of specialists. Your health care team should include: Parkinson's Disease Important It is possible that the main title of the report Parkinson's Disease is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report. Read the Parkinson's Disease article > > The goals of treatment vary for each person, but in most cases, treatment for Parkinson's disease is designed to: Most people with Parkinson's disease can be treated using prescribed medications. The most commonly prescribed drugs include: If you react adversely to medications, or if the medications become ineffective, surgery may be advised. Depending upon your needs, medical history, health, and symptoms, one of the following procedures may be considered for Parkinson's disease: There are many other procedures being researched. One of the most promising involves the transplantation of fetal dopamine neurons (tissue transplant) into the brains of people with Parkinson's disease. The hope is that … Continue reading →

Parkinson's disease (PD also known as idiopathic or primary parkinsonism, hypokinetic rigid syndrome/HRS, or paralysis agitans) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease result from the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain; the cause of this cell death is unknown. Early in the course of the disease, the most obvious symptoms are movement-related; these include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking and gait. Later, thinking and behavioral problems may arise, with dementia commonly occurring in the advanced stages of the disease, whereas depression is the most common psychiatric symptom. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep and emotional problems. Parkinson's disease is more common in older people, with most cases occurring after the age of 50. The main motor symptoms are collectively called parkinsonism, or a "parkinsonian syndrome". Parkinson's disease is often defined as a parkinsonian syndrome that is idiopathic (having no known cause), although some atypical cases have a genetic origin. Many risk and protective factors have been investigated: the clearest evidence is for an increased risk of PD in people exposed to certain pesticides and a reduced risk in tobacco smokers. The … Continue reading →

Read the Latest Parkinson Report The fall/winter edition of the Parkinson Report has just been published! Download this special caregivers edition today for caregiving tips, tools, and a special caregiver's story as well as where the Moving Day Walk for Parkinson's is coming to next! In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, NPF will explore the roles of caregivers and how caregivers can focus on taking care of themselves. We will also share common experiences based on evidence from the scientific literature. Please join us for this important webinar for caregivers, patients and their families and friends. Many people have questions about the Affordable Care Act and how it applies to people with Parkinson's disease. As of Oct. 1, 2013, people will be able to enroll in a new insurance plan; get the answers to frequently asked questions today! Register today for Moving Day, a walk for Parkinson's! With several events remaining this fall from coast to coast, thousands of walkers will "move" together for a common goal to beat Parkinson's. Register as an individual, join a team, or sponsor a participant make your move today! More: National Parkinson Foundation - Home … Continue reading →

Treatment & Care Individual people with Parkinson's need individualized treatment and care. These brief and to-the-point articles offer important information and helpful tips. Parkinson's disease can't be cured, but it can be treated. Learn more from this easy-to-read overview. Home care is essential for a Parkinson's patient. Click here to read this important overview. Medication can greatly relieve many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Click here for an overview. There are surgical options for Parkinson's disease. Click here for information. There's more to treating Parkinson's disease than drugs and surgery. Click here to learn more. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that uses positive mental images to influence how you feel. Dysarthria (difficulty speaking) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) can be severely limiting symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Both can be helped by seeing a speech pathologist or speech therapist. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease may cause you to move more slowly. You may also feel tightness, pain, and weakness, especially in the muscles and joints. Physical and occupational therapy may help with these symptoms. See the rest here: Parkinson's: Treatment & Care - WebMD … Continue reading →

PARKINSONS DISEASE OVERVIEW What causes Parkinsons disease? Parkinson's disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in an area of the brain known as the black substance is altered or disappear. Normally, these neurons produce some chemicals important in the brain called dopamine and serotonin. The black substance is a gray structure located in the mesencephalon. It is part of the basal ganglia and has an important role in the stability of all motor movements. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter responsible for sending signals. The lost of dopamine produces abnormal schemes of nervous activation within the brain that cause significant movement disorders. It is knwon that most patients affected with Parkinsons disease have lost an average of 70% or more of the dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra. Dopamine is directly related with norepinephrine, the main chemical messenger of the sympathetic nervous system. What are the symptoms of Parkinsons disease? Parkinsons disease causes movement disorders which are mainly of: shaking of the hands, arms and legs, limb stiffness and slowness of movement. It can also cause balance instability. The symptoms begin gradually and worsen over the time. The first symptoms of Parkinsons disease are mild and develop gradually. The people affected … Continue reading →

For many patients suffering from Parkinsons disease, tremors and loss of movement arent the only symptoms they have to cope with. In more than half of cases, people are also plagued with distressing symptoms of psychosis, which often include visual hallucinations and paranoid thoughts. While numerous effective treatments exist for the motor problems associated with Parkinsons, current treatment options for psychotic symptoms are either ineffective or potentially harmful. And some form of treatment is definitely needed - psychosis is considered to be the main reason why people with the disease are admitted to nursing homes, and also significantly increases a patients risk for early death. To address this problem, researchers from Kings College London have identified a pre-existing drug that may effectively control the psychotic symptoms stemming from Parkinsons disease. Known as pimavanserin, the drug works by blocking serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the neocortex, which had been previously associated with visual hallucinations. In the majority of (Parkinsons patients), lots of chemical transmitters in the brain are imbalanced, study author Clive Ballard, professor of age-related diseases at Kings College, told FoxNews.com. But the 5-HT system, that chemical system is quite imbalanced and strongly associated with the presence of these symptoms. So … Continue reading →

Existing anti-psychotic drugs can make symptoms worse By Jenny Hope PUBLISHED: 21:04 EST, 31 October 2013 | UPDATED: 21:04 EST, 31 October 2013 Hope: The first treatment for hallucinations and delusions has been developed which dramatically improves sufferers' symptoms and quality of life A new drug offers hope for tens of thousands of sufferers of Parkinsons, say researchers. The first treatment for hallucinations and delusions has been developed which dramatically improves symptoms and quality of life. Half of those with the degenerative brain disorder experience such symptoms but existing antipsychotic drugs can make them worse, increase the risk of stroke and be life-threatening. The new drug called pimavanserin proved safe and effective in a trial of almost 200 patients, leading to improvements of more than a third in sufferers. The drug also has potential for treating psychotic symptoms in diseases such as Alzheimers and other dementias. Study leader Professor Clive Ballard from Kings College London said: Psychotic symptoms are common and distressing for people with Parkinsons and those caring for them. Original post: New drug to relieve Parkinson's psychosis: Breakthrough could offer better quality of life for thousands who suffer ... … Continue reading →