Get to Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological movement disorder. Symptoms usually begin gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor, stiff muscles, slowness of movement, unsteady walk, coordination, and balance difficulties. Unfortunately, no cure is available for Parkinson’s disease, but medication can help you maintain a good quality of life. In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgical procedures to help regulate some sections of your brain and reduce the severity of the symptoms. Read on to learn more about Parkinson’s disease and the possible treatments for Parkinson’s Disease in Morgan Hill.

What are the causes of Parkinson’s Disease?

The immediate cause of Parkinson’s disease is currently unknown, but most scientists believe that it is triggered by environmental and genetic components. Other scientists believe that abnormal proteins known as Lewy bodies that are usually found in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease as the leading cause of the disease. Moreover, other research groups have categorized certain groups of people who are at a greater risk of having Parkinson’s disease:

  • Family history. People who have or have had close family members with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to have the condition.
  • Age. Parkinson’s disease is common among people aged between 50 and 60 years.
  • Sex. Men are one and a half times more likely to have the disease than women.
  • Head injury. People who are exposed to frequent head injuries are at a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
  • Race. White people are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than Asian or Black people.
  • Toxins. Exposure to some toxins can increase the chances of developing Parkinson’s disease.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from one individual to another. Below are some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease including:

·         muscle stiffness or rigidity, which can be painful

·         stooped posture and balance difficulties

·         shaking or tremor usually begins in one hand or arm

·         slowing of movement, which leads to periods of inability to start moving

Other people with Parkinson’s disease may experience the following symptoms:

·         loss of smell

·         soft, quick, or slurred speech

·         trouble writing

·         constipation

·         depression or anxiety

·         difficulty swallowing

·         fatigue

·         loss of unconscious movements, such as blinking

·         lack of urinary control

Regardless of the symptoms, make sure to contact your healthcare provider for professional medical assistance.

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

Since there is no cure available for Parkinson’s disease, doctors often prescribe medications, among other treatments, that can help alleviate the Parkinson’s disease symptoms. For example, regular exercising, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and physical therapy can significantly help lessen the severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

The commonly recommended therapy for Parkinson’s disease is Levodopa, also L-dopa. People with the disease take Levodopa with another medication known as carbidopa to make dopamine to regenerate the brain’s decreasing supply.

Conclusion

Although medical experts have not found a cure for Parkinson’s disease, you can manage the symptoms by looking for practical medical professional help. At South Valley Neurology, we offer our patients with effective treatment solutions for Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Get started and schedule an appointment by calling or visiting our medical center at Morgan Hill, CA.

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