Parkinson’s disease

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Central nervous system

Substantia nigra

Social workers or other counseling services may help the patient cope with the disorder and with obtaining assistance (such as Meals-on-Wheels) as appropriate.

Experimental or less common treatments may be recommended. For example, surgery to implant stimulators or destroy tremor-causing tissues may reduce symptoms in some people. Transplantation of adrenal gland tissue to the brain has been attempted, with variable results.

Emotional support for the person with Parkinson's disease and everyone involved may help in coping with the changes caused by the disease. This may include the National Parkinson's Foundation or another group. See Parkinson's disease - support group.

Untreated, the disorder progresses to total disability, often accompanied by general deterioration of all brain functions, and may lead to an early death.

Treated, the disorder impairs people in varying ways. Most people respond to some extent to medications. The extent of symptom relief, and how long this control of symptoms lasts, is highly variable. The side effects of medications may be severe.

• Varying degrees of disability
• Difficulty swallowing or eating
• Difficulty performing daily activities
• Injuries from falls
• Side effects of medications

Call your health care provider if symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear, if symptoms get worse, or if new symptoms occur. Also tell the health care provider about any possible side effects of medications, which may include:

• Involuntary movements
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Changes in alertness, behavior or mood
• Severe confusion or disorientation
• Delusional behavior
• Hallucinations
• Loss of mental functions

Review Date: 05/16/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.