Parkinsons Disease
Progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing problems with movement.
Caused by a deficiency of dopamine due to loss of dopamine producing brain cells in substantia nigra.
Generally progression of disability is slow with mean duration to death after diagnosis –14 years.
Diagnosis sometimes difficult and uncertain with no definitive test.
No biological markers (blood or CT changes) so diagnosis based on clinical criteria.
BRADYKINESIA (slowness of movement)
+ 1 of the following
- Rest Tremor – 4-6 Hz
- Muscle Rigidity
- Loss of Postural Reflexes
Begin symptomatic treatment when symptoms start to interfere with function to provide relief of symptoms.
