Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: Signs That Can’t Be Missed
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that gradually worsens and is associated with the nervous system. It develops over time and can start from mild symptoms that are extremely easy to miss. Recognising these symptoms in a timely manner can do wonders when it comes to managing the disease. In this blog, we will cover the signs, treatment, and various other FAQs concerning Parkinson’s Disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Similar to other illnesses, the signs of this disease can also vary for each individual. However, these are some of the most common symptoms people report during the early stages:
- Tremors (Shaking): The most common and noticeable symptom is mild shaking in the hands, chin, and even fingers when at rest.
- Stiff Muscles: People suffering from Parkinson’s experience stiffness in their arms, neck, and legs, which can lead to pain and limit their range of motion.
- Changes in Handwriting: This condition can lead to a phenomenon known as micrographia, where an individual can start writing at a lower level of smaller, more cramped writing.
- Balance Problems: Losing balance more easily and more often can occur.
- Loss of Smell: Many people disregard this, but a reduced ability to detect common scents like food can indicate a problem.
- Soft or monotone speech: A person suffers from damage to the vocal cords, so speech that issues forth is laced with a dull monotone and lacking in volume.
- Sleep Problems: While sleeping, a person may exhibit a lack of proper movement, becoming restless during sleep.
Make sure to reach out to a neurologist if you or someone you care about faces such symptoms.
Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
There is no singular way to confirm Parkinson’s. Physicians make use of the patient’s medical history, conduct physical examinations, and sometimes use imaging techniques such as an MRI to eliminate other conditions. Steps taken include:
- Neurological Examination: Assessment of tremors, stiffness, and balance.
- Response to Medication: There is a Confirmed diagnosis if the symptoms improve after administering drugs for Parkinson’s (Levodopa is one of the drugs).
- Brain Imaging: MRI or CT scans to rule out the to review scan for patients with tremors
Treatment Options for Parkinson’s Disease
While treatments may help manage the symptoms and signs, cures do not exist:
Medications:
- Levodopa-Carbidopa: Tremor and stiffness control is most effectively done by this drug.
- Dopamine Agonists act as substitutes for dopamine in the brain.
- MAO-B Inhibitors (Selegiline, Rasagiline): Aids in the halting of dopamine breakdown.
Lifestyle Changes
- Mobility can be greatly improved by doing exercises such as yoga, walking, and swimming.
- A well-balanced diet that includes fibre to lower chances of constipation.
- Speech therapy for patients who face hurdles when communicating.
Surgical Treatments:
- MRgFUS: This is the most recent functional neurosurgical modality, without incision, without anesthesia.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Tremors are controlled by the implantation of electrodes in the brain.
- Alternative Therapies: Muscles that have stiffness can be treated with physiotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Parkinson’s disease hereditary?
It’s not common to pass on Parkinson’s to other family members, but having a relative with it may slightly increase the chances of getting it yourself.
- Can Parkinson’s be cured?
While no known cure exists, improvements in treatment options mean that managing the symptoms and enhancing the quality of life is more achievable.
- Does Parkinson’s only affect older people?
It occurs mostly after 60 years, which is why it’s termed “late onset.” However, some people under the age of 50 may develop “young onset Parkinson’s.”
Proper diagnosis can fundamentally change the experience of Parkinson’s Disease, as the sooner symptoms are treated, the better.
