Parkinson’s disease and tremor are the two most common neurological movement disorders that affect adults.
Parkinson’s disease can lead to depletion of dopamine, a neurotransmitter or chemical which sends signals around the brain.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. It affects about 1% of people who are 65 years or over.
Many people can suffer from non-Parkinson's disease tremours such as:
The only confirmed cause of Parkinson’s Disease is genetic. This is referred to as “idiopathic”. This only accounts for 10% of all cases.
Other risk factors include exposure to pesticides and toxins.
Parkinson’s disease causes the brain’s basal ganglia to deteriorate. This affects your motor control, learning, executive functions, behaviour and emotional functions.
The lack of dopamine affects how your brain's neurons communicate, and this loss of signal transmission movements loss and tremors.
Tremor is also associated with Parkinson’s disease, with nearly 80% of patients having some form of tremor at the initial diagnosis.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be classified into either motor or non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms are symptoms that affect movement.
The primary visible symptom of Parkinson’s is tremor (shaking), but other motor symptoms can include
Non-motor symptoms are symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that do not affect movement. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may experience non-motor symptoms, including
Parkinson’s disease can take a long time to cause severe effects. A useful scale for the disease includes how the disease affects you:
The neurologist can diagnose Parkinson's Disease by
Pathology Tests can not diagnose non-genetic cases of Parkinson’s, but as many other diseases have similar features but require different treatments.
Some tests are needed to rule out other conditions or certain causes. These medical tests, as well as responses to drug treatment, may help to better evaluate the cause.
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
Parkinson’s disease treatments are targeted at reducing the symptoms and use both medical and surgical approaches.
Research continues to search for ways to halt or reverse the brain degeneration associated with the disease.
Making lifestyle changes is essential in treating Parkinson’s disease. A regular exercise program helps to maintain abilities, increase mobility in joints, strengthen muscles and build up fitness in general.
Stimulating areas using electrical signals to specific parts of the brain.
As Parkinson's disease progresses, the symptoms expand and intensify. Later stages of the disease often affect how your brain functions, causing dementia-like symptoms and depression.
Management and treatment of Parkinson’s and other movement disorders can vary on the stage and severity of the disease, as well as its syndromic features.
In our specialised clinic, we provide patient-centred management, advanced therapy options as well as ongoing support for the patient and their families.
At NeuroNSW, we subspecialise our days into Parkinson’s clinics that solely focus on tremors, movement dysfunction and the diagnosis and management of Parkinsonian disorders.
If your patient wants a review of Parkinson’s or other tremor disorders that require a neurological consultation with Dr Baumann, please contact our practice.
Once your referral is triaged, an appointment date and time will be made for you.
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