Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
Dr. Dushyanth Jasti
We often see middle-aged or older individuals walking unsteadily or shaking their heads repeatedly without apparent reason. Some cannot even hold a glass steadily. We tend to brush it off as an age-related problem. These can be the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s is a nervous system disorder that affects movement and worsens progressively. This happens when nerve cells in particular parts of the brain get damaged or die, which leads to a reduction in dopamine. It is a chemical essential for smooth, coordinated muscle movements. Parkinson’s develops gradually and becomes noticeable as age advances.
Causes:
There is a lack of clear understanding about the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease. However, several factors are identified as playing a role in its development:
- The loss of neurons—the cells that manage chemical messages in the brain—causes most of Parkinson’s symptoms. People with Parkinson's disease also have decreased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which affect many bodily functions, such as chemical messages in the brain and blood pressure.
- The link between Parkinson’s and genetic changes is still being researched. However, it is observed that if many family members have a history of Parkinson’s, this can affect an individual’s chance of developing the disease.
- Exposure to certain toxins, like drugs, or other environmental factors, like pesticides or well water, may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
Symptoms:
Parkinson's disease symptoms are different in each person. Early symptoms are usually low in intensity and are often observed as starting on one side of the body.
- Tremor: usually beginning in fingers or hands, this is a rhythmic shaking that can affect many parts of the body. Hands might tremble while at rest and under stress. It is observed that tremors are less intense while moving around or performing a task.
- Movements slow down: Parkinson's disease may cause your movements to slow down. You may find simple tasks like getting out of a chair, showering or getting dressed difficult to perform. Blinking and expressing emotion on the face might also be difficult.
- Rigid muscles: Parts of your body might feel stiff, tense and painful. This can make your movements short and jerky.
- Balance and posture issues: People with Parkinson’s tend to develop a stooped posture or have balance problems. This increases the chance of them sustaining injuries from the fall.
- Loss of automatic movements: Partially voluntary movements of the body, such as blinking, smiling, and swinging arms, are sometimes affected by the disease.
- Changes in speech: Speech may slow down, quicken, or soften. Slurring and hesitation are also observed sometimes. Speech patterns might be lost, making it monotonous.
- Difficulty in Writing: You may find it difficult to coordinate hand movements, making writing harder.
Other symptoms include depression, anxiety, constipation, sleep problems, frequent urination, inability to identify smells, and problems with thinking and memory. There could also be extreme exhaustion.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s presently. A trained neurologist looks at the medical history, symptoms and neurological and physical test results to make a diagnosis. This can be a time-consuming process. Healthcare professionals may recommend regular follow-up appointments with neurologists trained in movement disorders to evaluate the condition and symptoms over time and diagnose the disease.
Some of these tests are:
- Physical and neurological examination: The thinking and mental abilities of the patient are tested, along with their senses, coordination, and reflexes.
- Blood and lab tests: Some other health conditions can also cause Parkinson-like symptoms. The tests are used to rule out this chance.
- Imaging tests: MRI, brain ultrasound, and PET scan are used to rule out the chances of other possible health conditions.
- A specific single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) scan called a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan is a modern technique used for diagnosis in cases where the other methods fail to deliver conclusive results.
- Genetic testing: This tests for gene changes if there is a known family history of Parkinson's disease or in case of an early-onset of the disease.
The treatment of Parkinson’s focuses on managing symptoms, as there is no direct treatment available for the condition now. A short-term, low dose of medicines may be given to treat Parkinson's disease and watch the results. The suitability of the disease is determined after looking at the results.
It usually takes a couple of regular appointments with neurologists, especially those specialising in movement disorders, to confirm the diagnosis.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy is a leading non-surgical solution opted for in advanced cases of Parkinson’s disease to manage symptoms where medication is not effective. Electrodes are implanted in certain parts of the brain in order to regulate abnormal signals. This is observed to be effective in reducing tremors, stiffness, etc.
Why Choose STAR Hospitals?
Parkinson’s disease can have a life-changing effect on both patients and their loved ones. We understand this and extend the best care to help you navigate this difficult phase. Advanced diagnostic tools, modern infrastructure and the team of highly experienced neurologists make us one of the best centres for treating neurological disorders. Treatment options include advanced options like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy. With a personalised, patient-first approach, we are committed to improving quality of life and delivering hope at every stage of care. If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms or seeking expert guidance on Parkinson’s disease, book an appointment and trust the best Neurology Doctor at STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad, to guide you toward a healthier, more confident future.
