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Parkinsonism is any condition that causes a combination of movement and abnormalities linked to Parkinson’s disease. A person who has Parkinson’s disease is more likely to have other condition that causes additional neurological symptoms.
Parkinsons disease refers to dysfunction due to cell death or the portion of the brain. When a person has Parkinson’s disease, it directly interferes with the persons’ ability to move and function normally.
Symptoms of Parkinsonism
- The difficulty of showing facial expressions
- Muscle stiffness
- A tremor in the hands
- Affected movements
- Slowed movements
Other symptoms associated with Parkinsonism are:
- Problems with the autonomic nervous system
- Dementia
- Spasms
- Rapid onset and progression of adverse symptoms
- Early problems with balance
What are the Causes of Parkinsonism?
- Corticobasal degeneration. It causes dementia and affects movements. A person may also fail to make controlled movements.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies. It causes changes in overall alertness as well as causes hallucinations. It is the second most typical cause of dementia.
- Multiple system atrophy. It affects coordination and autonomic dysfunction. It also causes bowel and bladder incontinence.
- Progressive supranuclear palsy. It causes dementia and backward falls. This condition also affects eye movement in addition to Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
What are the Risk Factors of Parkinsonism?
- Age. Parkinsonism disease is typical in middle and late life. Aging increases your risk of the disease.
- Family history. Having a close relative with Parkinson’s disease increases your risk of the disease. Nonetheless, your risk is still small unless your relatives or family has Parkinson’s disease.
- Gender. Parkinsonism is typical in men than women.
- Exposure to toxins. Pesticides and herbicides can increase your risk of the disease.
Complications of Parkinsonism includes:
- Thinking difficulties
- Emotional changes or depression
- Swallowing problems
- Eating and chewing problems
- Sleep disorder and sleep problems
- Bladder problems and constipation
- Blood pressure changes
- Smell dysfunction
- Fatigue and pain
- Sexual dysfunction
How to Diagnose Parkinsonism?
- Genetic testing. It identifies genes that link to Parkinsonism in family history.
- DaTscan. It is an imaging test that determines the level of dopamine in the brain.
- CT scan. It reveals damaged blood vessels and determines vascular parkinsonism.
- Blood tests. It identifies proteins that indicate symptoms of Parkinsonism or corticobasal degeneration.
Treatment for Parkinsonism
After assessing the symptoms and making a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend antiparkinsons medications. It manages the symptoms and prevents the severity of the future attack. Medications include:
Ensure to take medications as instructed by your medical provider to prevent worsening the condition.
