A concussion usually occurs after severe head trauma and this may be a possibility in the end stages of Parkinson’s disease when patients are more prone to falls. Depending on the extent of the head trauma, a concussion may vary in its presentation and is often ignored after an injury, although the full effect may only be realized a day or two after the trauma. In terms of Parkinson’s disease, there is greater difficulty in identifying a possible concussion since some of the Parkinson’s disease symptoms may blur or mask the signs of a concussion.
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Understanding Parkinson’s disease
Early disease
The biggest question once a correct diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease has been made is when to start treatment and the medication used for that treatment. Treatments can vary greatly depending on the age, condition of the patient and understanding of the disease and its treatment that the patient has. In the early stages of the disease depression and anxiety may also play a part in the debilitating symptoms and therefore will become one of the main objects of concern when deciding on initial treatment.
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Understanding Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a terrible progressive illness which not only affects the person who has developed it but also puts a strain on those around them who care for them day in and day out. Not only do they have to see their loved ones going from healthy well balanced individuals to invalids, they also have to go about their own daily life and cope with day to day living. Some of the most common feelings the care giver will have are:
Tension and fatigue
More often than not those caring for someone with Parkinson’s will be putting their needs before those of their own, stress and lack of sleep will bring about tension and tiredness in the care giver. (more…)
Understanding Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating, progressive illness which affects a person’s movement; various parts of the body can be affected and symptoms are stiffness in the muscles, difficulty when starting to move and slowness and tremor in the hands when they are at rest. The disease was named after Dr James Parkinson who first diagnosed the disease around the 1800`s.
Why does Parkinson’s disease happen?
The basal ganglia, a part of the brain is affected by the disease, it is a part which plays a vital role in how we control our movement. Cells in the substantia nigra, which is a part of the ganglia produce what is know as dopamine, when someone is affected by Parkinson’s the dopamine producing cells are lost and this then causes a shortage of dopamine in the brain. As for the reason these cells are lost not much is known on exactly why this happens. (more…)
