
Amantadine: While this medication offers limited relief for the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, it is particularly effective in managing dyskinesia. Therefore, it may be prescribed to individuals experiencing this complication. However, due to its potential for numerous side effects, it is not as commonly prescribed as other medications for Parkinson’s.
Anticholinergic drugs: These medications function by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which tends to be more active in individuals with Parkinson’s. Excessive activity of acetylcholine can contribute to tremors. Anticholinergic drugs may be utilized in younger individuals who exhibit prominent tremors. However, older individuals may experience confusion and hallucinations as side effects. These medications can improve motor symptoms such as tremors and bradykinesia, as well as address issues like drooling.
Apomorphine: This medication belongs to the dopamine agonist class and is administered via injection into the body's fatty tissue. It may be administered through multiple injections or a continuous pump. Apomorphine is typically reserved for individuals who do not respond adequately to other medications or are unable to take oral tablets. It can be used in conjunction with levodopa. This treatment offers rapid relief during "off" periods but requires specialized training and equipment for administration. It is commonly employed in individuals with advanced and complex Parkinson’s.
According to NICE guidelines, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is typically reserved for individuals with advanced and complex Parkinson’s symptoms that are not adequately managed by the best available medical therapy.
DBS involves a surgical procedure aimed at alleviating primarily the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. During the procedure, a pulse generator is implanted beneath the skin of the chest or abdomen. This generator is connected to specific regions of the brain via one or two fine electrode wires.
Once in place, the generator emits high-frequency stimulation to the brain through the electrode wires. This modulation of electric signals in the brain helps alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms.
The DBS generator may be either fixed-life or rechargeable. For those with a rechargeable device, recharging is necessary using a device placed over the site of the generator. The frequency and duration of recharging vary depending on the device model.
DBS has shown effectiveness in improving motor symptoms such as tremor, bradykinesia, and dyskinesia. Although there are risks associated with the procedure, the likelihood of these complications is minimal and may include stroke, infection, device malfunction, and headache.
This is a comprehensive course on Parkinsonism. This course will give you a complete understanding of Parkinson's disease causality, identification, diagnosis, medical and non-medical management, alternative therapy, and the role of allied medical practitioners in Parkinson's management. In addition, you would learn how it feels to live with Parkinsonism, and how to reduce complications and improve patient care and outcomes.
The curriculum includes videos, audio narrations, written articles, images, and a quiz. It is created in such a way that everyone can understand the contents completely, no matter if you are a medical doctor or come from a non-medical background. This course provides you with reliable, and evidence-based information from the latest guidelines.
The author of this course is currently a medical doctor in an NHS trust hospital in the UK. In his 13 years of medical experience, he has seen and taken part in managing thousands of Parkinson's disease patients. The author spent considerable time, and effort to create this masterpiece. The course is divided into five comprehensive but easy-to-understand modules.
At the end of this course, you will have more than enough competency in providing correct and adequate care plans to people living with Parkinsonism. If you are a Parkinson's disease patient or a healthcare/ fitness provider dealing with Parkinson's patients then this course is a must to take.