Tag Archives: tremor

Surgery For Parkinson’s Disease

There are several different types of surgery that have been used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Brain Lesioning: a procedure where a surgeon uses a heat probe to destroy a small area of brain tissue that is abnormally active in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This produces a permanent effect on the brain; only one side of the brain may undergo lesioning at a time. Thalamic Surgery: once used for treating Parkinson’s disease; now used only for patients with essential tremor. Pallidotomy: a procedure that improves tremor, rigidity, and some other movement problems. Only one side of the brain may undergo pallidotomy … Continue reading →

A Closer Look At Parkinson Disease

Parkinson disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects different parts of the brain. More than one million people in North America and more than four million people worldwide have the disease. As the general population ages, the number of cases of Parkinson disease increase. Parkinson disease is known as late onset if symptoms begin after the age of fifty and early onset if symptoms begin before the age of fifty. If symptoms appear before the age of twenty, the disease may be called juvenile onset Parkinson disease. Most cases of Parkinson disease occur in people with … Continue reading →

Parkinson’s Disease Research

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Medications or surgery can help ease the symptoms, but right now there is nothing that can stop the progression of the disease. That doesn’t mean doctors and scientists aren’t working on finding a cure. Research studies are being done all the time, focusing on new medicines and surgical techniques to ease Parkinson’s disease symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These studies cannot be done without volunteers. If you have Parkinson’s disease, you may be interested in volunteering for a research study or clinical trial. Not sure if volunteering for a … Continue reading →

Driving With Parkinson’s Disease

Driving means freedom. If you can drive, you can take yourself to work, to the store, to visit friends — anywhere you need or want to go. However, driving is a complex skill. If you have Parkinson’s disease, you may not be able to drive safely. The main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors (shaking), slowness of movement, and stiffness (rigidity). Shaking and rigidity can affect your arms, hands, and legs — even when you are relaxed. You may have difficulty turning the steering wheel, using the gas and brake pedals, and operating turn signals and other car features. Slowed … Continue reading →