ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Parkinson’s disease

What is Parkinson’s disease?

21:54 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is a degenerative and progressive condition of the nervous system that attacks neurons in their ability to produce dopamine, a key chemical in the brain for body movements and mood, which causes dysfunctions in movement and other serious injuries. 

It usually appears after the age of 60, but sometimes it also appears at earlier ages, affecting men more frequently.

The cause of Parkinson’s disease remains a mystery, but there are potential risks that influence its appearance, such as age, environment, genetic predisposition, and the presence of toxins or some drugs.

Signs and symptoms Parkinson’s disease

It usually starts on one side of the body and gradually progresses until it affects both. The most frequent symptoms are:

  • Limited facial expression.
  • Movement and postural problems. 
  • Speech and writing disorders.
  • Difficulty walking.
  • Lack of balance and coordination.
  • Chewing and swallowing problems. 
  • Muscle numbness
  • Uncontrollable tremors in the face, jaw, arms, hands, and legs.
  • Insomnia. 

Diagnosis and treatment Parkinson’s disease

To diagnose Parkinson’s disease you need to have a neurological evaluation. Remember that as soon as you identify any symptoms you should see your doctor, the more timely it is diagnosed, the faster you will be able to receive pharmacological and/or surgical treatment to slow down its progress, control the symptoms, and improve your quality of life, since there is no cure.

At the Neurological Center, a select group of highly professional and certified doctors in the various neurological specialties are ready to assist you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

Our mission is to provide you with comprehensive and multidisciplinary care programs for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of nervous system diseases, always focusing our activities on your safety.

Nervous system specialties

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Spine surgery
  • Pediatric neurosurgery
  • Neurophysiology
  • Neuro-rehabilitation
  • Neuro-pathology
  • Interventional neuro-radiology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Neuro-otology
  • Epilepsy
  • Neuro-ophthalmology
  • Neuroimaging

Fuentes: 

  • parkinson.org
  • esparkinson.es
  • mayocilinic.org 
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Leal-Ortega R. Estimulación cerebral profunda para la enfermedad de Parkinson: criterios de selección, abordaje quirúrgico, efectos secundarios y controversias. Rev Biomed. 2021;32(2):113-123.
  • Fernández GJJ, Granados HI. Enfermedad de Parkinson: Neurodegeneración asociada a Estrés Oxidativo. Cuba y Salud. 2020;15(2):45-52.
  • Jiménez CSV, Abreus MJL, González CVB, et al. Integration of therapeutic components in the rehabilitation of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Finlay. 2020;10(2):179-190.
  • Rodríguez GPL. Diagnóstico y tratamiento médico de la enfermedad de Parkinson. Rev Cubana Neurol Neurocir. 2020;10(1):1-18.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.