Question 1

is parkinsons disease hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Although the causes are multifactorial and sometimes poorly understood, there is a hereditary component.  Keep in mind, that even though a parent may have it, it does not mean that it will be necessarily passed on.  The tendency, however, may be there.

Question 2

why does medication for parkinsons produce an on/off effect?

Accepted Answer

Dose?: Depends on the medication but some parkinson medication required  "drug holiday" to allow the drug to clear and be restarted, some medications work differently causing brekthrough symptoms. It could be that dosing needs adjusted as well.

Question 3

i ve recently been diagnosed with parkinson s but wonder if i might have nph ?

Accepted Answer

Likely not: Nph is a problem with flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and is associated with cognitive loss, apractic gait, and urinary lack of control.  Parkinson's in contrast demonstrates a tremor at rest, increased muscle tone and different short strepped gait.  Talk to your doctor, if the meds do not benefit you, as other diagnoses might be present.

Question 4

can you tell me in parkinson's disease, does dopamine loss occur merely in the striatum or does it occur in the s.niagra too?

Accepted Answer

Pigmented nuclei: The dopamine loss involves predominantly the basal ganglia area, but also involves dorsal vagal nucleus, substantial nigra, and areas of any dopamine interaction within brain and brain stem.  But, to be complete, Parkinson's is a multi-neurotransmitter degenerative deficiency syndrome with other neurotransmitter systems involved.

Question 5

what causes parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: The cause of parkinson disease is unknown. It appears that the cause of parkinson disease leads to the depletion of Dopamine in the subtantia nigra in the brain that is responsible for the symptoms of the disease.

Question 6

can buspirone cause parkinsons?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's symptoms: Buspirone can cause Parkinson-like symptoms including tremors, muscle weakness, shuffling gait, stooped posture, drooling, etc. Rare neurological effects include abnormal movements, decreased mobility, restlessness, involumtary mouth movements, and motor deficits. See your physician for a full discussion to weigh the risks and benefits. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a688005.html

Question 7

how to diagnose wolf parkinson's?

Accepted Answer

WPW: Wolff-parkinson-white syndrome is a heart condition that can be detected with an electrocardiogram. Sometimes further tests called electrophysiologic studies are used to determine the origin of the abnormal rapid heartbeat.

Question 8

how is parkinson's disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Severity: Initially, Dopamine agonists (ropinorole, pramiperole, or Neupro patch).  Azilect perhaps, in certain cases. Later, the various l-dopa preps, such as sinemet, stalevo, (carbidopa and levodopa and entacapone) etc.  If things get too severe, deep brain stimulation may be used.  Physical therapy may help.  Otc preps such as coq-10 seem not useful.  Vitamin d may be of value.  This is quite complex, and a good neurologist is critical.

Question 9

what is pseudo parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Not Parkinson's: Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain characterized by slowness of movement, rigidity of muscles and is caused by a deficiency of Dopamine in the brain.  Many drugs such as the anti-psychotics can cause a parkinson's-like picture, as can some severe infections and metabolic disorders.  I believe the term is more of a lay term than what is truly found in medical books.

Question 10

can wilsons disease mimic parkinsons?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Parkinson-like symptoms can be an initial manifestation of Wilson's disease. Wilson's disease usually occurs in younger people, however. If there is any confusion in diagnosis,  Wilson's disease can usually be diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and/or an eye exam.  Hope this helps.

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Tim roth parkinson s

A member asked:

Is parkinsons disease hereditary?

A member asked:

Why does medication for parkinsons produce an on/off effect?

A member asked:

I ve recently been diagnosed with parkinson s but wonder if i might have nph ?

A member asked:

Can you tell me in parkinson's disease, does dopamine loss occur merely in the striatum or does it occur in the s.niagra too?

A member asked:

What causes parkinson's disease?

A member asked:

Can buspirone cause parkinsons?

A member asked:

How to diagnose wolf parkinson's?

A member asked:

How is parkinson's disease treated?

A member asked:

What is pseudo parkinson's disease?

A member asked:

Can wilsons disease mimic parkinsons?

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