Definition
Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called motor
system disorders. Parkinson's and related disorders are the result
of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Dopamine is a
chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals within the
brain.
Parkinson's disease occurs when certain nerve cells, or
neurons, die or become impaired. Normally, these neurons produce
dopamine. Loss of dopamine causes the nerve cells to fire out of
control, leaving patients unable to direct or control their movement
in a normal manner.
The four primary symptoms of Parkinson's are
tremor or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity or
stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of
movement; and postural instability or impaired balance and
coordination. Patients may also have difficulty walking, talking, or
completing other simple tasks.
The disease is both chronic and
progressive. Parkinson's is not usually inherited. Early symptoms
are subtle and occur gradually.
Treatments
A variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the
symptoms, but no drug can stop the progression of the disease. In
some cases, surgery is an appropriate treatment. Some doctors
recommend physical therapy or muscle-strengthening exercises.
Prognosis
At present, there is no way to predict or prevent Parkinson's
disease.
Parkinson's disease occurs when certain nerve cells, or
neurons, die or become impaired. Normally, these neurons produce
dopamine. Loss of dopamine causes the nerve cells to fire out of
control, leaving patients unable to direct or control their movement
in a normal manner.
The four primary symptoms of Parkinson's are
tremor or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity or
stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of
movement; and postural instability or impaired balance and
coordination. Patients may also have difficulty walking, talking, or
completing other simple tasks.
The disease is both chronic and
progressive. Parkinson's is not usually inherited. Early symptoms
are subtle and occur gradually.
Treatments
A variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the
symptoms, but no drug can stop the progression of the disease. In
some cases, surgery is an appropriate treatment. Some doctors
recommend physical therapy or muscle-strengthening exercises.
Prognosis
At present, there is no way to predict or prevent Parkinson's
disease.
