|
|
PAGE |
PAIN |
CONDITIONS |
SUPPORT |
& TREATMENT |
PREVENTION |
ISSUES |
|
|
|
The World of Chronic Pain More than 125 million Amercians are suffering. Diseases & Conditions These conditions can cause a world of pain. Medications & Treatment Be sure you know the cautions and side effects. Help & Support Finding help is not always simple for those in pain. Safety & Prevention These tips can help prevent a lifetime of pain. News & Issues Up-to-date news on pain-related issues. |
Parkinson's DiseaseParkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders. Parkinson's and related disorders are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Dopamine is a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals within the brain. Parkinson's disease occurs when certain nerve cells, or neurons, die or become impaired. Normally, these neurons produce dopamine. Loss of dopamine causes the nerve cells to fire out of control, leaving patients unable to direct or control their movement in a normal manner. The four primary symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability or impaired balance and coordination. Patients may also have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. The disease is both chronic and progressive. Parkinson's is not usually inherited. Early symptoms are subtle and occur gradually.TreatmentA variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the symptoms, but no drug can stop the progression of the disease. In some cases, surgery is an appropriate treatment. Some doctors recommend physical therapy or muscle-strengthening exercises.Levodopa (Dopa) - Levodopa is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement. It also may improve your gait (walk), posture, swallowing, speech, handwriting, vigor, alertness, and sense of well-being and may control excess salivation and seborrhea (oily, crusty, scaly skin). Carbidopa (Sinemet) - Carbidopa is used with levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is believed to be related to low levels of a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) in the brain. Levodopa (Dopar, Levadopa) is turned into dopamine in the body. Carbidopa is used with levodopa to prevent the breakdown (metabolism) of levodopa before it can reach the brain and take effect. Carbidopa is only effective if it is taken with levodopa. It has no effect if it is used alone. Michael J. Fox FoundationActor Michael J. Fox rocked the world when he revealed he had Parkinson's Disease. As other famous people have brought attention to diseases before, he brought light on the tragedy of Parkinson's.One research project involves better understanding the developmental biology of the brain's dopamine-regulating circuitry. Also welcome are projects seeking to develop alternative cell sources - such as stem cell derived lines of dopaminergic neurons and/or support cells - to use as laboratory models and ultimately as replacements for the cells lost to Parkinson's. The foundation has also joined forces with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to create a consortium for testing candidate drugs with potential neuroprotective benefits. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in November 2003 launched a large, national study to find treatments to stop the progression or worsening of Parkinson's disease. During the next two years, they will need thousands of volunteers to participate in the study. OrganizationsMichael J. Fox Foundation The famous actor's foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease.PAN Parkinson's Action Network fights for the research and rights of Parkinson's patients. Parkinson’s Research and Support Society OtherMed focus Guidebook to Parkinson's Disease. |
Did You Know... Chronic pain is seldom cured. The best a patient can hope for is some alleviation of the pain. Read More... There is a public perception that paralysis means limbs just lie quietly. dead. They don't. Find Out More... |
|
|