INFORMATION ON PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson's disease may be defined as disorder which directly affects the nerve cells in some part of the brain which are responsible for controlling movement of muscle.

People with Parkinson's disease may experience trembling, muscle rigidity, difficulty in walking, balance problems and slow movements. These physical symptoms usually develop after age 60, but some people affected by Parkinson's disease before age of 50.

CAUSES OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

The various factors which are responsible for the development of Parkinson’s disease are:-

1. Disturbance in the architecture of genes.
2. Exposure to herbicides and pesticides.
3. Excess in take of certain medicines.

SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

The various symptoms that are shown by a subject suffering from Parkinson’s disease are:-

1. Slight shaking of hand or even one finger. Sometimes hand tremor causes a back-and-forth rubbing of thumb.
2. Parkinson's disease may cause a slow, shuffling walk with an unsteady gait and stooped posture.
3. Stiffness of muscles.
4. Loss of balance.
5. Difficulty in swalloing.
6. Impaired speech.

DIAGNOSIS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is purely based on subject’s medical history, observations of subject’s body responses and a neurological examination.
The neurological examination includes an evaluation of subject’s walking pattern, coordination and some simple tasks of dexterity.

TREATMENT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

In order to treat Parkinson disease there are two methods of treatment available:-

Medication:-

Medicinal procedure include intake of drugs such as; Levodopa and carbidopa, Dopamine agonists, Selegiline (Eldepryl), Amantadine, Coenzyme Q10 and many more.

Surgical procedure:-

Surgical procedure is only employed when symptoms cannot be cured with medicine and condition become severe. The various surgical methods available for treatment are; Thalamotomy, Pallidotomy and Deep brain simulation.