Understanding Parkinson's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment with Dr. Amit Shrivastava

"In this video, Dr. Amit Shrivastava, Senior Consultant in Neurology at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi, explains Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. He discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Parkinson’s disease, helping viewers understand this condition and how it can be managed.

What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain are damaged or destroyed. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in sending messages to the part of the brain that controls movement. As dopamine levels decrease, the brain becomes less able to control movement, leading to the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Although Parkinson’s disease is not directly life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, as it worsens over time. However, with proper diagnosis, treatment, and management, patients can lead a relatively normal life.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease develop gradually, and they vary from person to person. Common early signs include:

Tremors (Shaking): Often starting in one hand or one side of the body, this is the most well-known symptom.
Bradykinesia (Slowness of Movement): Over time, a person with Parkinson’s disease may experience stiffness, slow movements, and difficulty initiating movements.
Muscle Rigidity: Stiffness or tightness in the muscles, making it difficult to move.
Postural Instability: Difficulty with balance and coordination, leading to a higher risk of falls.
Shuffling Walk: A slow, shuffling gait with reduced arm swing.
Speech and Facial Changes: Some people may have a softer voice or a blank facial expression, known as “masked face.”
Handwriting Changes: As Parkinson’s progresses, people may develop micrographia, or small, cramped handwriting.
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is still not fully understood. However, several factors are believed to contribute:

Genetics: In some cases, Parkinson's disease runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. However, most cases are not directly inherited.
Age: Parkinson’s disease is more common in individuals over the age of 60, though early-onset Parkinson’s can occur before 50.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain toxins, chemicals, or pesticides may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Neurodegeneration: The death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain is the main factor contributing to Parkinson's disease. This loss affects motor control and coordination.
Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be challenging because its symptoms can resemble other conditions. Doctors use a combination of:

Medical History: A thorough review of symptoms and family history.
Neurological Examination: To assess movement, coordination, and reflexes.
Brain Imaging: Techniques such as MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out other conditions.
Response to Medication: If symptoms improve with dopamine replacement therapy, it can further support the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Treatment Options for Parkinson’s Disease
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, several treatment options can help manage symptoms:

Medications: The most common medication for Parkinson's disease is Levodopa, which helps replenish dopamine in the brain. Other medications include dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and COMT inhibitors.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): This surgical procedure involves implanting a device in the brain to help control tremors and other symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy and exercises can help improve mobility, balance, and strength.
Speech Therapy: Helps with speech and swallowing difficulties that may arise as the disease progresses.
Lifestyle Changes: Diet, exercise, and a supportive environment play a significant role in managing symptoms.

For more information on Parkinson’s disease or to schedule a consultation, visit Narayana Health.

About Narayana Health:
At Narayana Health, our expert neurologists, including Dr. Amit Shrivastava, offer comprehensive care for neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. We provide personalized treatment plans to help manage and treat Parkinson’s effectively.

For more information, visit https://www.narayanahealth.org.

Connect with us:
Facebook:   / narayanahealth  
Instagram:   / narayanahealthindia  
Twitter:   / narayanahealth  
Blog: https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/
LinkedIn:   / narayanahealth  "