Parkinson Disease
Parkinson disease is a progressive neurological disorder. Typically, individuals with this condition will develop signs and symptoms as they reach a more mature age, though instances of Young Onset Parkinson disease in those under 50 do occur, if uncommonly so.
What are the Symptoms of Parkinson Disease?
Symptoms of Parkinson disease start subtly and progressively worsen over time. Knowing the signs of Parkinson disease can help you gain an early diagnosis as well as early treatment. Symptoms occurring in the first stage(s) of Parkinson disease can be easily missed due to their lack of severity and may appear as something as simple as accidentally dropping things or a muddled sense of touch.
Parkinson tremor is a more unique sign. It primarily occurs at rest, such as when watching television or relaxing. Tremors that interfere with writing or holding a screwdriver steady or a glass upright are called essential tremors. They are NOT Parkinsonian (although a person with Parkinson disease can develop them just like everyone else, and vice versa). Parkinsonian tremors at rest are involuntary movements often starting in the hand or fingers on one side, eventually spreading to the other side. As control over muscles becomes more difficult, individuals are likely to experience:
- Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
- A need for additional help with common tasks
- Restricted range of motion as the muscles and other tissues begin to tighten up
- Poor posture due to small spasms or tightened muscles with a tendency to hunch forward
- Problems expressing themselves through writing or speech
- Problems with walking (shuffling gait) and balance
Diagnosing Parkinson Disease
Unfortunately, there is no test to definitively diagnose Parkinson disease. It is a clinical diagnosis bringing together several lines of evidence. Patients should consult with a neurologist who will review your medical history, current signs and symptoms to determine if you have Parkinson disease. There are other neurological disorders that can mimic Parkinson symptoms (i.e. Parkinsonism of which there are several types). In such cases, it is extremely important to identify them, since treatment approaches differ. Two examples of conditions sometimes confused with Parkinson Disease Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Lewy Body Disease.
Sonoma Neurology, Pain & Headache will perform multiple evaluations to eliminate or identify other conditions that cause signs and symptoms similar to Parkinson disease. Follow up appointments may be required as the individual’s condition needs to be monitored for changes in need and treatment as Parkinson disease is a slowly progressive neurological disorder.
How is Parkinson Disease Treated?
Although many talented healthcare professionals are working toward a cure for Parkinson disease, presently, there is no cure. However, there are various types of medications that can be used to help treat a patient’s symptoms, including:
- Carbidopa-levodopa
- MAO B inhibitors
- Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors
- Amantadine
- Dopamine agonists
- Anticholinergics
It is also very common for physicians to recommend ongoing physical therapy for improved balance and to stretch and strengthen one’s muscles to improve muscle control. If physical control over the body is no longer possible and tremors become very disruptive, surgical options exist to effect better control. Because Parkinson disease presents and progresses differently in every individual, the advised course of treatment may vary significantly from one patient to another.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of Parkinson disease, early evaluation by a neurologist is essential. At Sonoma Neurology, Pain & Headache in Petaluma, we provide compassionate, individualized care for patients at every stage of Parkinson disease, from initial diagnosis through long-term management. Our team will work with you and your referring clinician to develop a treatment plan that supports both symptom relief and quality of life. To request an appointment, please utilize our secure online form or call 707-415-4273.
*Please note: A clinician referral is required to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376062
https://www.parkinson.org/Treatment
https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons