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Parkinson Disease Symptoms and Treatment

Parkinson's disease is a medical condition affecting the brain, according to the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF). The disease targets neurons in the brain that are responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical that is essential for proper functioning of the muscular system. The decrease in dopamine production is responsible for causing some of the classic symptoms of Parkinson's, including tremors and shaking.

  1. Tremors

    • Tremors and involuntary shaking are some of the most common and recognizable symptoms of Parkinson's disease, according to the NPF. A patient suffering from Parkinson's may also move slower than normal.

    Stiffness in Body and Facial Expressions

    • The body's muscles cannot function as smoothly without proper amounts of dopamine. As a result, Parkinson's disease also causes stiff body movements and facial expressions.

    Shuffling

    • Another common symptom of Parkinson's disease is a slow, shuffling walk accompanied by occasional loss of balance, according to the National Institutes of Health.

    Medication

    • Parkinson's disease is normally treated with medication--such as ropinirole--that replicates the function of dopamine in the brain. These drugs can ease the symptoms, but there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease.

    Deep Brain Stimulation

    • The NIH is excited about a new treatment for Parkinson's called deep brain stimulation. Electrodes are surgically implanted into the brain and can help alleviate the symptoms--especially tremors.

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