Worried About Parkinson’s? Know It All Here - Dr. Shivam Mittal

1. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that involves degeneration of the neurons present in the brain. The brain produces a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which controls the signals passed from the brain to the muscles present in the body to function appropriately. In Parkinson’s disease, this dopamine is either produced in low amounts, or is entirely stopped from being produced, which diminishes the patient’s ability to regulate normal body movements. Thus, there is involuntary shaking in the hands, fingers, legs, and jaws. What are the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s? The most significant and noticeable symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors in the hands, legs, and jaws. Other symptoms include muscle rigidity, neck tightness, slow movements, poor balance, soft speech, and impaired voice. Other than this, many other Parkinson’s patients may experience restless sleep, amnesia, dementia, anxiety, nightmares, constipation, urine leakage, and at the worst, depression. How serious is the condition of Parkinson’s? Although it may sound very disturbing, Parkinson’s is not a serious condition. Yes, it is true that the symptoms of involuntary shaking cause frustration and discomfort for the patient, and also embarrassment in public, but it isn’t dangerous (unless the patient gets into

2. depression due to the frustration and embarrassment). This means that Parkinson’s disease is definitely life-altering, but not life-threatening. How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed? Parkinson’s disease may have similar symptoms like any other relative disorders like tremor, which may misguide you. Thus, it is always better to approach a Parkinson’s disease specialist in Bangalore to have you diagnosed, if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms. You will be analyzed via simple questions about your health condition, family history, and medical history; or through simple tasks like walking, coordination, motor tasks, etc. Can Parkinson’s disease be cured? While there is no permanent cure for Parkinson’s, since the definite reason behind this ailment is not known, there are certain temporary treatments you can undergo to keep your muscles under control. An experienced Parkinson’s disease specialist in Bangalore like Dr. Shivam Mittal can prescribe you medications, injections, therapies, or surgery depending upon your condition. All of these can help you have temporary relief from the ailment for a few months, along with providing you the required comfort and enhancing the quality of your life. Stages of Parkinson’s disease Just like any other ailment that increases in level with time, Parkinson’s also has five stages, each with different symptoms at different intensities. Stage I – This involves mild symptoms like tremors and other slight movement disturbances only on one side of your body, which may not interfere with your basic daily activities. But, there could be changes in your posture, walking style, and facial expressions. Stage II – Both the left and right side of the body experience tremors and rigidity in movement. This is accompanied by imbalance and unstable walking. Also, the patient gets tired after performing everyday tasks. Stage III – Loss of balance and slowness of movements are more prominent in this stage. Walking aid and support is required. Daily activities like eating, writing, and dressing up are significantly impaired. Stage IV – Movement becomes very limited, needing the help of a walker. Even, everyday activities like eating and dressing up will require help from others.

3. Stage V –This is the last stage of Parkinson’s where there is stiffness in the legs, making it almost impossible to walk, or even stand! Thus, the patient is either bedridden or requires a wheel chair for moving around. 24×7 nursing care is required to provide constant care to the patient. Hallucinations and delusions could also be experienced. For more information, visit: http://www.parkinsonsdiseasespecialist.com/