Expert explains: A new symptom of Parkinson's disease

From smiling to crying, chewing to swallowing, and taking a step to grasping objects, all our body movements are regulated by our nervous system. Op. Dr. Gülşah Öztürk Özlük stated, "Not swinging your arms while walking can be a sign of Parkinson's disease." So, what are the treatment methods for Parkinson's disease? Here are the details...

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Expert explains: A new symptom of Parkinson's disease

While a decrease in body movements causes Parkinson's, an increase in movement can lead to conditions such as dystonia and restless legs syndrome.

Op. Dr. Gülşah Öztürk Özlük provided information about movement disorders and treatment methods.

'DIAGNOSED IN THE 40S'

Movement disorders stem from dysfunctions in the basal ganglia, which play an important role in the nervous system that possesses a perfect working harmony. When there is excessive or insufficient data output from the basal ganglia to the thalamus, limitations in our movements or involuntary movements can develop. Movement disorders are grouped according to whether movements increase or decrease and slow down.

The most frequently observed disease that reduces or slows down movement is Parkinson's disease. Diseases that increase movement include tremors, dystonia, tic disorders, restless legs syndrome, myoclonus, chorea, and hemiballismus.

Parkinson's disease, one of the most common movement disorders, is a disease of advanced age. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease involving the destruction of brain cells, after Alzheimer's. Parkinson's disease is generally seen at age 60 and above. However, it can be observed in 10% of patients before the age of 50. There are even patients with genetically transmitted Parkinson's who are diagnosed in their 40s.

PARKINSON'S SYMPTOMS

Idiopathic Parkinson's disease occurs due to the destruction of cells responsible for the production of dopamine, an important substance in our body. Its most common finding is a slowing of movements. The first symptoms of this in patients can be walking without swinging their arms, a reduction in facial expressions, and shuffling their feet while walking. Tremor is one of the most noticeable findings, but in one-quarter of those with Parkinson's disease, other Parkinson's symptoms can be observed without tremors.

BENEFITS OF DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION

As with every disease, early diagnosis and treatment are very important in movement disorders. Parkinson's disease emerges with the destruction of cells responsible for dopamine production in our body. For Parkinson's treatment, the patient must first consult a physician specializing in movement disorders. Parkinson's disease is primarily treated with medication.

For patients who have benefited from drug therapy but have limited use due to side effects, or who primarily have tremors, deep brain stimulation (commonly known as a brain pacemaker) can be considered as a surgical treatment option. Whether a brain pacemaker is suitable for the patient is determined by a multidisciplinary study involving psychiatry, neurology, and neurosurgery specialists.

For treatment, it must first be clearly determined whether the patient has Idiopathic Parkinson's disease. In Idiopathic Parkinson's patients who receive a brain pacemaker, tremors and involuntary movements (dyskinesia) caused by medication side effects respond particularly well to treatment; in addition, a reduction in the level of medication used can be achieved after the brain pacemaker.

'CAN BE TREATED WITH MEDICATION OR BOTOX'

Deformities that occur as a result of abnormal contractions in the body's muscles lead to dystonia. Dystonia can affect the arm, leg, neck, torso, or the entire body's muscles. The rate of affecting the whole body is more common in children than in adults. In adults, deformities occur more in the neck, arms, and legs.

Treatment options for dystonia include medication and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. The medication or Botox applied to the patient allows the contracted areas to relax. For some patients, deep brain stimulation, or a brain pacemaker, may be recommended. Deep brain stimulation can be applied, especially in primary genetic dystonias and dystonias seen in the neck.

EXERCISE IS RECOMMENDED

Our essential recommendation for every individual with a movement disorder is regular exercise. Especially in Parkinson's disease, which involves a slowing of movements, it is important to get support for exercises that can increase flexibility. Exercises are also recommended for dystonia patients who have body deformities due to contractions, with the aim of preventing permanent deformities.

News Source: 12punto