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Cause:
Parkinson’s disease is a result of the loss of dopamin producing brain
cells. This leeds to motor system disorders, as they are:
- tremor and trembling in hands, arms, legs,
jaw and face
- rigidity and stuffness of the limbs and trunk
- bradykinesia and slowness in movement
- impaired balance and coordination
Therapy:
At present, theres no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but a variety of
medications provide dramatic relief from the symptoms. This can be
achieved by substituing dopamin. Usually with a combination of levadopa
and carbidopa. Carbidopa delays the conversion of levodopa into dopamine
until it reaches the brain.
But not all symptoms respond equally to the
drug. Bradykinesia and rigidity respond best. Anticholinergics may help
control tremor and rigidity. In some cases, surgery may be appropriate
if the disease doesn't respond to drugs. A therapy called deep brain
stimulation (DBS) has now been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration.
Prognosis:
Parkinson’s disease is both chronic and progessive, what means, that
symptoms grow worse over time, but intensity of symptoms varies from
person to person. |
