Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be challenging as there is no specific test for it. A medical professional diagnoses it based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and physical examination. The patient may also undergo brain imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. These treatments include medication, therapy, and surgery.
- Medication: Parkinson’s disease medications aim to increase dopamine levels in the brain to improve the patient’s symptoms. The most commonly prescribed medication for Parkinson’s disease is carbidopa/levodopa. It is a medication that naturally streams into an individual’s brain and transforms into dopamine. There are also medications that are referred to as ‘Dopamine Agonists,’ which don’t convert into dopamine, but rather mimic its effect on the brain. “The Dopamine System in Parkinson’s Disease: A Handbook” by Peter Jenner and C. Warren Olanow is a comprehensive guide that covers the role of dopamine in Parkinson’s disease and the medications used to manage its symptoms.
- Therapy: Physical and occupational therapy can help improve movement and offer pain relief to individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapy focuses on improving movement and offering pain relief, while occupational therapy can help the patient acquire new skills to live life more independently. Other therapy options include exercise and speech therapy to improve the quality of life, strengthen movement, and help the patient learn new techniques to deal with everyday struggles. “Parkinson’s Disease: Fitness Counts!” by David Zid and Jackie Russell is a self-help book that offers tips on exercising for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, including techniques that can benefit their physical and mental health.
- Surgery: In advanced cases of Parkinson’s disease, surgery may be an option. There are three types of surgeries that can be offered to a Parkinson’s patient: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Pallidotomy, and Thalamotomy. DBS is the most popular and involves using electrical impulses to stimulate a specific area in the brain. Pallidotomy targets and eliminates a tiny area in the deep part of the brain that causes PD symptoms. Thalamotomy removes another very small area in part of the brain that causes symptoms. “Deep Brain Stimulation Programming: Mechanisms, Principles and Practice” by Erwin B. Montgomery Jr. and Mark Hallett is a clinical guide that covers the use of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a treatment option for Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder that affects the nervous system. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in slowing down the progression of the disease. Understanding the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can help individuals and their loved ones identify the disease’s early stages and seek the appropriate medical attention. Parkinson’s disease treatments focus on managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life of the patient. With the right treatment plan and support, individuals with Parkinson’s disease can live fulfilling lives.