Parkinson's Disease and other Movement Disorders

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that inhibit or impact the body's everyday movements, such as using hands, walking, sitting, standing, bending, turning, etc. In general, movement disorders lead to abnormal movements or a gradual loss of movement.

There are several types of movement disorders, with some of the most common types including

1. Parkinson's Disease (a brain-related disorder that impacts movement and leads to mental decline).
2. Huntington's Disease (an inherited condition where some nerve cells in the brain waste away).
3. Tourette syndrome (sudden twitches, movements, or tics)
4. Ataxia (loss of muscle coordination).
5. Essential tremors.
6. Restless Leg Syndrome: A sleep disorder causing uncontrollable involuntary movements of legs or arms.
7. Dystonia (involuntary contractions of muscles leading to pain and repetitive movements).

Parkinson's Disease is one of the most common movement disorders, along with tremors. More than 10 million people have Parkinson's Disease worldwide.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's Disease is a neurological disorder that affects the body's movement. It occurs due to deterioration of the nerve cells in a region of the brain called basal ganglia. The basal ganglia, situated in the central portion of your brain, manage the brain's signals to the body's muscles to carry out movements. When the nerve cells in this area get damaged, the brain's signalling is impaired, leading to loss of movement, unintended or uncontrollable movements (shaking, tremors), stiffness, and loss of balance and coordination.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

The onset of symptoms is a slow process; over time, they worsen and become more perceptible. The Disease shows a different pace of progression in people, and the early symptoms are mild and gradual.

Among the signs are:

1. Mild hand tremors.
2. Difficulty in writing.
3. Stiffness. (Rigidity in muscles, leading to a feeling of pain).
4. Inability to make regular movements such as swinging arms, smiling or blinking.
5. Stooped posture and loss of balance.
6. Slow movements make it longer and harder to do simple tasks.
7. Slurred speech and lack of tone in speech.
8. Lack of facial expressions.
9. Constipation.
10. Urinary problems.
11. Depression.
12. Sleep problems.
13. Cognitive problems.

What causes Parkinson's Disease?

Nerve cell degeneration in the brain's basal ganglia region leads to Parkinson's Disease. The Disease usually affects people in their 60s though in rare cases, it occurs in younger people too.

In a healthy individual, these nerve cells produce dopamine, a critical brain chemical or neurotransmitter that promotes body functions, including movement, mood, and memory. When the impaired nerve cells produce less dopamine, it impacts movement, sharpness of senses, thinking ability, and mental health, manifesting as Parkinson's Disease.

The causes of the nerve degeneration can be:

1. Genetic: Certain gene mutations trigger the Disease.
2. Environmental: Exposure to toxins, industrial pollution, etc.
3. Specific brain diseases.
4. Head trauma.

What is the treatment for Parkinson's Disease?

The treatment goal for Parkinson's Disease is to control or reduce the severity of symptoms.

1. Medicines to increase the brain's output of dopamine.
2. Drugs to reduce involuntary movements, such as tremors and loosen muscle rigidity
3. Deep brain stimulation: This procedure is used when the response to medication is unsatisfactory. It involves implanting an electrode into the affected part of the brain to stimulate it to alleviate movement problems, such as tremors, slowness, and rigidity.
4. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

NEUROLOGICAL MOVEMENT DISORDERS

What are the symptoms of movement disorder

Occasionally, we experience a twitch, jerk, or a fleeting type of movement issue, but these are random occurrences and do not indicate anything serious. But persistent abnormal movements or loss of movement may indicate the onset of a movement disorder, and the signs may include:

1. Uncontrolled and involuntary twitches, spasms, tremors, or shaking.
2. Lack of coordination and balance.
3. Difficulty in tasks such as writing, walking, or standing still.
4. Changes in gait
5. Stiffness in limbs
6. Abnormal tics and movement of facial muscles.

What causes movement disorders?

Movement disorders are caused by damage to the brain's nerve cells in the parts that control body movements. Several factors may lead to neurological degeneration, and they include:

1. Brain injuries or brain disease.
2. Genetics.
3. Infections or inflammation.
4. Medicines.
5. Metabolic disorders.
6. Stroke.
7. Exposure to toxins.

What is the treatment for movement disorders?

The treatment method depends on the type of movement disorder. Because these disorders are due to malfunctioning nerve cells in the brain, drugs are a significant treatment choice to address cell pathology.

The approaches include:

1. Medicines to increase the brain's output of dopamine.
2. Drugs to reduce involuntary movements, such as tremors and loosen muscle rigidity.
3. Deep brain stimulation: This procedure is used when the response to medication is unsatisfactory. It involves implanting an electrode into the affected part of the brain to stimulate it to alleviate movement problems.
4. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

American Hospital Dubai offers the most accurate diagnosis, treatments and care for Parkinson's Disease and other Movement Disorders

Our highly experienced neurologists treat Parkinson's Disease and other movement disorders using the most advanced methods.

We know every case is different and requires a 100% personalized treatment plan and guidance to improve symptoms, reinstate confidence and help you with the best outcomes.

We know how critical accurate diagnosis is and combine our expertise with state-of-the-art facilities and a multi-disciplinary and integrative treatment approach to ensure you get the most effective and personalized treatment program for Parkinson's Disease and other movement disorders.