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May 16, 2010 - 9:10pmThis Comment
Have you, or a loved one, been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease? Here is the information from our Conditions page: [Source: EmpowHER Conditions: Parkinson's Disease]
Currently, there are no treatments to cure PD. There are also no proven treatments to slow or stop its progression. Some medications are used to improve symptoms. Over time the side effects may become troublesome. The medications may lose their effectiveness.
Medications include:
* Levodopa/carbidopa ( Sinemet )
* Amantadine (Symmetrel)
* Anticholinergics: benztropine (Cogentin) and biperiden (Akineton)
* Selegiline (Eldepryl)
* Dopamine agonists: bromocriptine (Parlodel), pergolide (Permax), pramipexole (Mirapex), cabergoline (Dostinex), and ropinirole (Requip)
o o Pergolide (Permax) was withdrawn in March 2007. It had a high risk of serious heart valve damage. Cabergoline (Dostinex) has also been linked to this risk. *
* Apomorphine (Apokyn)
* COMT inhibitors: entacapone (Comtan) and tolcapone (Tasmar)
Surgical Options:
* Deep brain stimulation (DBS)—implanting a device to stimulate certain parts of the brain; can decrease tremor and rigidity
* Thalamotomy and pallidotomy—destroying certain areas of the brain to improve tremor when medication does not work (not as common as deep brain stimulation)
* Nerve-cell transplants (research only)—to increase amount of dopamine made in the brain
Physical Therapy
Therapy can improve muscle tone, strength, and balance. It will include exercises and stretches.
Here are some other articles that you may find helpful:
May 16, 2010 - 6:48am- EmpowHER: Parkinson's Disease list of articles
- EmpowHER article: Parkinson's Disease may improve with Vitamin B6.
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