How to Manage Parkinson's Disease Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Parkinson's disease:

It is a condition of the central nervous system (CNS) that causes movement disorder. Neurons in the brain damage and deteriorate causing tremors and slowed movement. Some of the factors which contribute to the condition could be genetic, lifestyle and previous medical conditions.

Symptoms:

The disease symptoms can vary from person to person. The early signs begin with tremor in one hand and reduced movement.

• Tremor: This is one of the most common symptom. It is a rhythmic shaking which usually occurs in one hand even during rest. Tremors could extend into the jaws and foot as well.

• Rigidity: One may experience stiff muscles in any part of the body. Other symptoms with rigidity include difficulty in walking and bodily movements.

• Reduced movement: It is also called bradykinesia. It interferes with daily activities like bathing, eating, walking etc making simple tasks more difficult.

• Disturbed sleep: Includes restlessness, nightmares, disturbances in sleep, waking up early.

• Unstable posture: Instability in posture leads to poor balance while walking. Gait is characterized by short shuffling steps and lesser movement in the arms.

• Dysphagia: This causes difficulty in swallowing due to decreased control in the throat muscles.

  
  

  

Causes and risk factors: In Parkinson's disease neurons in the brain slowly break down. This is caused when neurons that produce chemical messenger called dopamine are lost. People with this condition also tend to lose norepinephrine which controls many body functions.

• Genetic: In some cases, this could be inherited from one or both the parents. Few genes are directly linked to the onset of this condition.

• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain toxins may increase the risk. Increased exposure to pesticides like paraquat and benomyl, and harmful heavy metals like manganese, iron, aluminium, cadmium and mercury.

• Age: The risk increases with age usually at the age of 50 or above. Early onset can occur in some cases below the age of 40.

• Damage from injuries: Repeated injuries to the head or people who play high impact sports like hockey and boxing can cause brain damage. This is called post traumatic parkinsonism.

  
  
  
  
  

  

Diagnosis: There is no particular test to diagnose Parkinson's disease. The assessment is done based on medical history and neurological examination.

• Blood test and lab test: These tests are done to rule out other conditions which have similar symptoms. Lab tests include lumbar puncture in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal to collect the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and biopsy includes collecting a sample from the skin on back and legs to analyze for alpha-synuclein which could increase the risk.

• CT and MRI scan: These tests are done to rule out other conditions but usually they are not very helpful.

• Genetic testing: It is done to find out if there is a family history of Parkinson's or early onset of the condition.

• Physical and neurological exam: This includes checking medical history and doing a neurological exam that tests your thinking ability, senses and co-ordination.

How is it treated?: Parkinson's disease is not curable but there are many ways to manage the symptoms. First line treatment includes medication and the secondary option is to implant a device in which electric current is sent to the brain. Medications like levodopa is most effective and dopamine agonists are also prescribed which have dopamine like effect. Examples of dopamine agonists include pramipexole and apomorphine.