Parkinsonism

Parkinsonism, also known as Parkinson's disorder or simply Parkinson's, is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain. It is estimated to affect up to one million Americans alone. Symptoms of Parkinsonism include tremor, impaired balance, slow movement, muscle stiffness, impaired speech, and difficulty with coordination. The exact cause of Parkinsonism is not yet known. However, it is thought to be caused by the death of cells that produce the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating movement and controlling the flow of signals between neurons in the brain. Without dopamine, there is abnormal activity within the brain which can lead to the symptoms of Parkinsonism. Parkinsonism can be identified through a variety of tests and assessments. A variety of movement assessments can be used to identify abnormal movements such as tremor, akinesia, and rigidity, as well as Postural instability or problems with coordination and balance. In addition, imaging scans such as Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) of the brain can be used to detect abnormalities in the brain structure. Treatment for Parkinsonism typically includes medications such as dopamine agonists and inhibitors. These medications are designed to increase or decrease the amount of dopamine in the brain, which can help mitigate the symptoms of the condition. Additionally, physical therapies such as exercise and stretching may be useful in controlling muscle stiffness.