Parkinson's Disease
is a slowly progressive disorder of the central
nervous system that affects movement, muscle control
and balance. Although the exact cause of Parkinson's
Disease is unknown, research has concentrated on
genetics, environmental toxins, endogenous toxins
and viral infection.
In Parkinson's, cells
are destroyed in part of the brain stem - the
substantia nigra, which sends out fibers to the
corpus stratia, gray and white bands of tissue in
both sides of the brain. Cells there release
dopamine, one of three major neurotransmitters
(chemical messengers) which help the body respond to
stress. By the time symptoms develop, patients have
lost 80 to 90 percent of their dopamine-producing
cells.
Symptoms include tremors, slowed
movement and postural instability. Other features
include rigidity, flexed posture, freezing
phenomenon and loss of postural reflexes. Patients
can experience depression, sleep disturbances,
dizziness and problems with speech, swallowing and
sexual functioning.
Since medications and
other conditions can cause Parkinson's-like
neurologic symptoms, diagnosis is critical and
misdiagnosis is frequent. Medical science lacks an
accurate blood or imaging diagnostic test for
Parkinson's, though tests can exclude other
conditions. Diagnosis is based on an evaluation of
symptoms best accomplished by a Parkinson's
specialist.
The progression of the disease
varies from individual to individual, so treatment
is also individualized. Treatment focuses on
relieving disabilities while minimizing side effects
of medications. While there is no cure, therapies
can minimize symptoms and maximize function and
quality of life.
The usual treatment is a
combination of levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet).
Levodopa, which treats neurochemical abnormality,
revolutionized treatment. However, over the years,
its effectiveness can decline and its side effects,
such as motor complications, can increase. Adjusted
dosage can help but additional medications may be
required. Because of levodopa's complexities, young
people with Parkinson's often start with other
treatments, reserving levodopa for later in the
disease. Patients have other treatment options,
including surgery. Transcranial magnetic stimulation
is also being studied.
Parkinson's can
impair quality and length of life, so its diagnosis
and symptoms can devastate an individual and family,
and patients often face depression. However,
excellent physical therapies, and educational and
support resources are available. Research is
steadily improving quality of life and symptom
control.
Hospitals Listing
Piyavate Hospital
{Thailand}
Piyavate Hospital
Gleneagles Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
{Malaysia}
Gleneagles Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Bangkok Hospital Medical Center
{Thailand}
Bangkok Hospital Medical Center
Samitivej
Banbkok
{Thailand}
Founded in 1979, Samitivej Hospitals is one of the leading private
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