The central nervous system, which includes both the head and the spinal cord, is constantly involved in the regulation of all the vital processes of the body. One of these processes is the ability to control one’s own movements, which a person loses due to the development of Parkinson’s syndrome, the symptoms of which everyone can detect. Trembling of the extremities and head, difficulties with voluntary movements become difficult phenomena that significantly worsen the quality of life of the patient.
general information
Parkinsonism is a syndrome that characterizes the gradual damage to the nervous system, which manifests itself in the form of a general decrease in motor activity, a decrease in the speed of movements, the appearance of trembling and an increase in muscle tone. We can distinguish primary Parkinson's syndrome, which is considered idiopathic, secondary syndrome (caused by taking medications, injuries, other diseases) and parkinsonism in various hereditary and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system.
Parkinsonism refers to any patient's condition in which neurological disorders characteristic of Parkinson's syndrome are observed. It is believed that most often the disease begins to develop at the age of 50-60 years, but in some cases this can happen before reaching the age of 40. Parkinson's syndrome with an early onset is called juvenile parkinsonism. If we talk about parkinsonism in childhood and adolescence, then this phenomenon is called Hunt's juvenile parkinsonism, which is characterized by the classic symptoms of this disease and a rather slow development. Parkinson's syndrome occurs in both women and men, regardless of social status or race, place of residence or income.
This disease significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. Violations of swallowing and chewing food cause sharp weight loss, and the impossibility of independent movement leads to pressure sores and respiratory disorders, which provoke a fatal outcome.
Causes of the Syndrome
Modern science cannot finally answer the question of what exactly becomes the cause of the development of a disease such as Parkinson's syndrome. Nevertheless, it is believed that the main factors contributing to the onset and rapid development of the disease are aging, adverse heredity, exposure to toxins and other toxic substances, some viral infections and vascular diseases of the brain, and brain injuries.
Manifestations and symptoms of the disease
Parkinson's syndrome refers to slowly developing diseases, vivid manifestations of which can be seen only in the late stages of development. In total, 8 stages of brain damage can be distinguished, which are characterized on a special scale, starting from the stage of the absence of obvious symptoms to complete muscle dysfunction. Parkinson's symptoms usually develop gradually, among which one can note stoop and muscle tone, difficult facial expressions, decreased speed of limbs, pain, trembling that disappears with movement, enuresis, depression, loss of control over posture and position in space.
What can be done for the patient
Despite the fact that it is impossible to completely cure Parkinson's syndrome, subject to timely diagnosis and early diagnosis, an individual supportive course is selected for the patient, which can help maintain motor activity for many years. Treatment is carried out throughout the patient's life, it significantly slows down the rate of development of the disease and prevents the onset of new symptoms. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a general examination and clinical observations; quite often, medications are used in the treatment.