We discussed Parkinson’s disease, which is is a progressive nervous system disease that affects movement, expression, speed and so on.
In the second part, we discuss surgical treatment and living with Parkinson’s disease.
Surgery for Parkinson’s disease is ‘Deep Brain Stimulation’ [DBS]. Surgeons implant electrodes in the brain. The other ends of the electrodes are connected to a generator implanted in the patient’s chest near the collarbone. It may reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
DBS is effective in controlling erratic and fluctuating responses to levodopa or for controlling dyskinesia that doesn’t improve with medication adjustments.
DBS is offered to patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease, who have unstable Levodopa responses. It can stabilize medication fluctuations, reduce dyskinesia, tremor, rigidity and slowing of movements. Risks of DBS are infection, Cerebrovascular Stroke or brain haemorrhage.
While no food or combination of foods has been proved to help in Parkinson’s disease, some foods may help ease symptoms. Eating foods high in fiber and drinking an adequate amount of fluids can help prevent constipation which is common in Parkinson’s disease. A balanced diet also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for Parkinson’s disease patients.
Exercise may increase patient’s muscle strength, flexibility and balance. It also helps improve the sense of well-being and reduces depression. Best exercises are walking, swimming, gardening, dancing, water aerobics, or stretching.
Parkinson’s disease can disturb the sense of balance, making a normal gait difficult. Exercise may improve gait. These are special suggestions for patients:
Aim for your heel to strike the floor first when you’re walking. Avoid shuffling, walk erect, and look in front, not at the ground, while walking.
Patients in the later stages of Parkinson’s fall more easily. To prevent falls, do this:
Daily living activities — such as dressing, eating, bathing, and writing — can be difficult for people with Parkinson’s disease. An occupational therapist can help.
Supportive therapies can help ease some of the symptoms and complications of Parkinson’s disease, such as pain, fatigue and depression when performed in combination with medical treatment.
It’s normal for patients to feel angry, depressed or discouraged at times, as walking, talking and even eating become more difficult and time-consuming.
Depression is common but antidepressant medications help ease the symptoms of depression.
Family and friends are the best support group for patients. Support groups offer a place for patients and their families to find people who are going through similar situations and that helps greatly. Psychologists or social workers trained in working with people who have chronic conditions are also helpful, if available.
Because there’s often a lot to discuss, it’s a good idea to prepare for your appointment.
In addition to the questions that you’ve prepared to ask your doctor, don’t hesitate to ask questions that occur to you during your appointment.
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them. Your doctor may ask:
Parkinson’s disease has no perfectly known causes and no cure at present. New research will surely bring some help to patients.
But everything is not gloomy with Parkinson’s disease. Medicines, exercise, and occupational therapy ease symptoms hugely, improve quality of life, and increase the life span. And most importantly, people learn to live with Parkinson’s disease.
Samarth Neuro and Superspeciality Hospital has 100+ beds & specializes in emergency surgery for neurological issues/disorders & diagnostics.
Samarth Neuro and Superspeciality Hospital
