Is Parkinson's disease scary?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 28, 2024
00:00
00:00

Parkinson's disease is not a terrifying disease, as its onset is relatively hidden and slow, with gradual progression. Many patients can significantly improve their symptoms, prolong their lives, and enhance their quality of life through rehabilitation training and medication. However, there is no effective cure for Parkinson's disease at this time; current treatments only relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients with Parkinson's should not be afraid and must regularly visit neurology outpatient clinics for follow-up. Neurologists will provide appropriate medications for Parkinson’s and guide the daily life of patients. Moreover, patients must prevent falls. Parkinson's is not a terrifying disease; what is dangerous is arbitrarily stopping or reducing medication without listening to the doctor's advice. (Note: This answer is for reference only, medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, and medications should not be taken blindly.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min home-news-image

What department should Parkinson's disease go to?

Parkinson's disease is classified as a neurological disorder, so once considered for Parkinson's disease, registration is naturally in the department of neurology. Many neurologists are very familiar with Parkinson's disease and also have rich experience in diagnosis and treatment. Especially some neurology experts who specialize in Parkinson's disease have their own unique views on the pathogenesis, etiology, and clinical manifestations of the disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological condition primarily divided into motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms, severely impacting the quality of life and work of patients. Symptoms include bradykinesia, resting tremor, muscle rigidity, etc. Treatment involves anticholinergic drugs and dopamine receptor agonists. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Is Parkinson's disease dangerous?

Parkinson's disease is a chronic condition and a progressive degenerative disorder of the nervous system. The main symptoms include slowed movements, increased muscle tone, resting tremors, and abnormal posture and gait. The onset of the disease is slow and subtly worsens over time. Although not highly dangerous in itself and not directly life-threatening, Parkinson’s disease currently lacks a cure, and the condition gradually worsens. Generally, within about 10 to 20 years, patients may experience significant balance impairments. The main risks involve instability while walking, which can lead to falls and potentially cause fractures and other complications. In later stages, patients often become bedridden, leading to possible complications such as pulmonary infections, urinary tract infections, bedsores, and malnutrition. Therefore, Parkinson's disease is relatively mild, manageable in the early stages, but requires careful attention in later stages to prevent complications and avoid unnecessary harm.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
59sec home-news-image

Can Parkinson's patients drink alcohol?

It is recommended that patients with Parkinson's disease avoid drinking alcohol. This is because the condition in Parkinson's patients is caused by the death of certain neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. It is well-known that alcohol has a direct damaging effect on neurons. Therefore, drinking alcohol could potentially worsen the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and it is advised not to drink alcohol. Additionally, patients with Parkinson's disease are prone to panic and unstable gait. If alcohol consumption affects the function of the cerebellum, it will exacerbate the patient's instability in walking, making them very prone to falls and potentially causing complications such as fractures. Furthermore, drinking alcohol can lead to orthostatic hypotension, which is a lower blood pressure when standing up. Parkinson's disease itself can also cause this type of orthostatic hypotension, and the combination of the two can cause a significant drop in blood pressure in patients, posing a risk when standing.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 2sec home-news-image

What is needed to diagnose Parkinson's disease?

The definitive diagnosis of Parkinson's disease primarily relies on the patient's medical history, clinical manifestations, and a thorough physical examination by a neurologist. If the onset of the disease is very slow, presenting with symptoms such as bradykinesia and tremors, and the neurologist observes heightened muscle tone and slow movements during the examination, a high suspicion of this disease is warranted. Additionally, certain auxiliary tests are necessary, commonly including: First, testing the patient's sense of smell is crucial, as a reduced sense of smell is very important in diagnosing Parkinson's disease. Second, some brain MRI scans are needed mainly to exclude some secondary Parkinson's syndromes. Third, a brain PET-CT scan can be performed to examine the functionality of the striatum. Furthermore, an ultrasound of the substantia nigra in the midbrain can also be conducted, which holds significant value in assisting the diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
53sec home-news-image

What department should you go to for Parkinson's disease?

Registration for Parkinson's disease should be in the Department of Neurology, as Parkinson's disease is a common disorder within neurology, so seeing a neurologist is sufficient. Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease, primarily affecting middle-aged and elderly people. Although there is a genetic predisposition in some cases of Parkinson's disease, those with a family history might develop the disease in their youth, but sporadic cases generally occur in middle-aged or older individuals. Patients exhibit many motor symptoms that severely affect their quality of life, including muscle rigidity, limb tremors, and slowed movement, as well as other complications. Many neurologists are very familiar with Parkinson's disease and have seen many patients with it, possessing significant diagnostic and treatment experience. Therefore, consulting neurology is entirely appropriate.