Parkinson's Disease Treated in Baltimore

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive disorder that leads to shaking and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination, as well as speaking and writing. Parkinson’s disease, a common nervous system disorder that develops after age 50, affects both men and women and sometimes occurs in younger adults.

What causes Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is caused by a low and constant decreasing of dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical used by nerve cells to help control muscle movement. Dopamine helps send messages to the brain that control coordination and movement. Without dopamine, the nerve cells become worse overtime, which contributes to the loss of muscle function.  

Risks Factors for Parkinson’s Disease

Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease include:

• Age – begins in middle age and increases with age
• Exposure to toxins – consistent exposure to herbicides and pesticides
• Heredity – a relative with the disease
• Sex – men are more likely than women

Parkinson’s disease symptoms may be mild at first, and consist of a mild tremor in just one hand, as well as a small feeling that one leg or foot is stiff or is dragging. Parkinson’s symptoms may also include:

• Blank look on face or no expression
• Constipation
• Difficulty with balance and walking
• Drooling
• Muscle aches and pain
• Rigid muscles
• Shaking/tremors
• Slow movement
• Speech changes
• Trouble swallowing
• Writing changes

To diagnose Parkinson’s disease, the neurologist will evaluate your symptoms, take a medical history, conduct a physical and a neurological exam, as well as order other tests to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. The overall goal is to control the symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Medication
• Surgery
• Lifestyle changes
• Support group