Parkinson's Disease
A progressive disorder from loss of dopamine-producing neurons, causing tremor, rigidity, slowness (bradykinesia), and gait/balance problems.
Symptoms
- Resting tremor
- Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
- Slow movements (bradykinesia)
- Difficulty walking
- Balance problems
- Shuffling gait
- Stooped posture
- Reduced arm swing
- Soft or low voice
- Handwriting becomes smaller
- Mask-like facial expression
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Depression or anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
A progressive disorder from loss of dopamine-producing neurons, causing tremor, rigidity, slowness (bradykinesia), and gait/balance problems. The cause is largely unknown, with genetic and environmental factors. Levodopa remains the most effective drug; dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors help early disease. As medication effects wear off, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus is a well-established surgical option that markedly improves motor symptoms. Newest advances include focused ultrasound thalamotomy (incisionless) and continuous levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion pumps.
