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Parkinson's is a degenerative disease of the part of the brain which
controls movement. It mainly, but not exclusively, affects older people.
Usually no obvious cause is found although sometimes it is the result
of poisoning from carbon-monoxide, mercury or manganese, or certain
drugs used to treat schizophrenia. In the latter case, the disease usually
stops once the drug is stopped.
The symptoms are devastating resulting in a combination of tremor,
rigidity and akinesia (slow movement). These disabilities effect one
side of the body but evetually progress to involve both sides.
The tremor is characteristic, as in the hands; it produces a 'pill
rolling effect' which is exaggerated by anxiety. Rigidity results from
an increase in muscle tone. The limbs resist passive extension causing
a 'lead pipe rigidity' and when combined with tremor, produces a 'cog
wheel effect'. The akinesia (slow movement) in walking produces a 'festinating'
(hurrying) gait producing a marionette type of movement. The total effect
is 'motor' devastation.
Orthodox treatment
A group of drugs called anticholinergics is often used to restore balance
in the neurotransmitters (an essential part of the nervous system).
However, these can have nasty side effects. Other drugs that boost dopamine
(one of the neurotransmitters) are also used but the same problem applies.
Other treatment
Homeopathic remedies can be applied to relieve specific symptoms of
the illness. Consult a homeopathic book or see a qualified homeopath.
Extra Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C are said to help but if the person is
taking orthodox drugs a doctor must be consulted first to check dosage.
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