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Parkinson's Disease
Facts | Symptoms | Causes | Treatment
options
Facts
Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder
that develops as brain cells die or become impaired. These neurons produce
a chemical called dopamine that is responsible for transmitting signals
among the messenger centers of the brain. Without these key distributors,
a chemical imbalance occurs and causes tremor. Almost one million people
have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This chronic disease
prevents them from being able to carry out their everyday activities
and live the way they’re used to. 
Symptoms
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease can include shaky hands,
arms, legs or jaw, stiffness of the limbs, slow movements and impaired
balance and coordination.
Causes
Although the exact causes of Parkinson's disease are unknown,
a study by The New England Journal of Medicine released
in November 2004 unveils that “recent advances in molecular genetics
have revealed important genetic influences underlying the development
of the disorder.”
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Treatment
Medications
are often helpful in relieving symptoms associated with Parkinson’s
disease. However, they have been known to lose their effect over time
and have strong side effects. Although surgery is not always the best
option for victims of Parkinson’s disease, several treatment options
are being increasingly explored with the advancement of new surgical
techniques.
Deep
brain stimulation
Deep
brain stimulation has been cited as one of the most promising therapies
for movement disorders in years. This procedure stimulates certain cells
in the deep brain structures that are involved in the motion control of
the body. Small electrodes placed in the brain connect to a device that
provides constant, high-frequency electric energy to the cells. This treatment
helps restore the chemical imbalance and suppress tremor.
Pallidotomy
and thalamotomy
These
treatment methods aim at destroying certain brain tissue that is causing the
imbalance. A wire probe is inserted into the brain and transmits radio waves
that heat the targeted area and destroy it.
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