Parkinsonism
Parkinsonism Causes
There are very many causes of parkinsonism and accurate diagnosis can even be complicated. The most common cause of Parkinsonism is the neurodegenerative condition or PD. However there is a wide-range of other causes which can lead the manifestation of similar symptoms which includes some non-PD neurological conditions, some toxins, and some diseases in the metabolism. In most cases though, Parkinsonism is caused as a side effect of some medications applied to the patient.
Parkinsonism Definition
Parkinsonism is also known in many other terms. It is known as secondary Parkinson's, atypical Parkinson's, or Parkinson's syndrome. This is a neurological syndrome often manifested by postural instability, tremor, rigidity, hypokinesia.
Parkinsonism Diagnosis
To diagnose the disorder, most physicians take thetedious task of asking the patient or the guardians of medical histories on exposure to toxins, previous disorders, and use of some known drugs that may have stimulated or triggered parkinsonism. Brain imaging and scanning like the use of CT scans or MRI are also done to check for disorder in the structure which may have caused the symptoms.
Parkinsonism Symptoms and Signs
Most common symptom associated with Parkinsonism is ridity, instability of posture, hypokinesia, stiff muscles, and tremor.
Parkinsonism Treatment
Corrective treatments are often applied to patients with Parkinsonism usually getting to the cause of the disorder. If in cases that a drug caused the disorder, the drug is them not anymore given to the patient. Other drugs that are used to treat Parkinsonism includes levodopa but are often not effective. Therapies are also administered to patients which includes daily tasks to promote frequent movement of the body thereby moving the muscles. Oftentimes, physical therapists can help in treating the patients with Parkinsonism.
Drugs used for treatment of Parkinsonism
Amantadine