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Symptoms & Complications of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a motor-system disorder caused by a loss of brain cells. It begins gradually with trembling, and it can be hard to diagnose. Doctors may do a brain scan and lab tests to diagnose Parkinson's disease.

  1. Causes

    • Parkinson's disease is caused by a lack of dopamine, which is a chemical messenger in the brain. Researchers don't know why dopamine decreases, but environmental toxins and genetic mutations may play a part.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include rigid muscles, posture and balance problems, slowed motion, dementia, and changes in speech such as slurring.

    Complications

    • Complications of Parkinson's disease include constipation, difficulty chewing and swallowing, problems sleeping, depression and sexual dysfunction.

    Treatment

    • Treating Parkinson's disease includes antiviral medicine, medicines to mimic the effect of dopamine and medicines that help patients with tremor, walking and movement.

    Physical Therapy

    • Physical therapy can help those with Parkinson's disease improve their muscle tone, range of motion, mobility and balance.

    Surgery

    • Parkinson's disease is sometimes treated with deep brain stimulation surgery. An electrode is implanted in the area of the brain which controls movement to stop involuntary movements such as tremor.

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