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Parkinson’s Disease was named after the London doctor James Parkinson. He wrote an essay in 1817 titled, ‘An Essay on the Shaking Palsy,’ and it was the first time that the disorder was recognised as a medical condition. Keep reading the blog to discover all about Parkinson’s and the new medical innovations that are being used to treat it.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative and progressive disorder of the nervous system. It is caused by a reduction of dopamine in the brain due to a loss of nerve cells. Dopamine regulates the movement of the body, and so this reduction causes many of the familiar symptoms of Parkinson’s:
● Involuntary shaking
● Slower movements than usual
● Stiff muscles
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People with Parkinson’s Disease can suffer from a wide range of other symptoms, which can delay diagnosis. Plus, symptoms can be barely noticed when they first start and often begin as a slight tremor in just one hand. Other symptoms include:
● Anxiety and depression
● Loss of balance
● Loss of ability to smell
● Insomnia
● Memory problems
There is no definitive explanation about what causes the loss of the nerve cells, although most experts agree that it is from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
How is Parkinson’s Disease treated?
In his essay, Parkinson recommended bloodletting from the neck and the application of solutions to induce blistering and inflammation of the skin as a way to treat Parkinson’s. Thankfully the treatment of Parkinson’s has progressed over the years, and there is more of an understanding about this disorder.
Current treatments include:
● Supportive therapies including physiotherapy and occupational therapy
● Medication
● Brain surgery
However, not all the treatments work for everyone to help manage their tremors and symptoms. There is now a desperate need to advance the treatment options.
However, there is a new kid on the treatment block, and research is being undertaken to explore using ultrasound to treat Parkinson’s Disease. Focused ultrasound techniques are offering sufferers with an opportunity to achieve the same results that surgery would give them, but without the invasive nature of a procedure.
How can ultrasound treat Parkinson’s Disease?
In simplest terms, the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasound create a thermal lesion or graze on the area of the brain that is causing the Parkinson’s symptoms without damaging or injuring the surrounding brain tissue.
What are the benefits of using ultrasound to treat Parkinson’s?
A non-invasive procedure is an ideal choice for people who ordinarily would not be in the position to be selected for surgery – the obese, the frail, people with other medical conditions and for sufferers who are terrified about the thought of brain surgery.
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Using ultrasound to treat Parkinson’s Disease is a safer alternative to surgery in terms of reducing the risk of infection and complications. That does not mean that ultrasound is risk-free, however. Any procedure that directly affects the brain carries risk, and ultrasound is no different. This is a new procedure, and side-effects are still being investigated and recorded.
Glenmed Delivers Innovative Medical Device Solutions
With estimates of 10 million global sufferers of Parkinson’s disease, and numbers expected to rise, the use of ultrasound for the treatment of Parkinson’s is an exciting development and offers sufferers real hope. Chat to us today to find out more.
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