How Important Is The Actual Diagnosis Of Parkinson's Disease?
Question: How important is the actual diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.? My brother is definitely showing symptoms. He is 65 and our father died of Parkinson's. His wife and 5 grown children seem to be in a bit of a denial. I realize there is no cure but is there an advantage to beginning the medicines as early as possible?
Brief Answer:
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, you are right.
Before starting treatment, the diagnosis must be confirmed.
It is usually done on physical examination by neurologist or internal medicine doctor.
As it is a crippling disease affecting daily activities, treatment should be started at the earliest.
Majority drugs give symptomatic relief but treatment should be started early.
There is only one way to convince his children, start drug and they will see improvement in their fathers themselves.
I think I have solved your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further in this query.
With regards dr varinder
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, you are right.
Before starting treatment, the diagnosis must be confirmed.
It is usually done on physical examination by neurologist or internal medicine doctor.
As it is a crippling disease affecting daily activities, treatment should be started at the earliest.
Majority drugs give symptomatic relief but treatment should be started early.
There is only one way to convince his children, start drug and they will see improvement in their fathers themselves.
I think I have solved your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further in this query.
With regards dr varinder
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
What are the drugs used today? Do they vary depending on the stage of Parkinson's.. or do the dosages vary? Is their main purpose to slow the progression of the disease?
Brief Answer:
Many drugs
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
There are various drugs as levodopa, carbidopa, amantadine, pramipexole, sellegilline etc.
They are given according to patient disease profile and symptoms.
They do not vary according to stages of disease.
In parkinsonism, almost all drugs are for symptoms improvement and no drug is proved to halt progression of disease.
In nutshell, drug is selected on the basis of symptoms or associated other diseases.
I hope I have solved your query.
If you are satisfied with my answer helpful then close the thread after giving favorable comments.
With regards dr varinder
Many drugs
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
There are various drugs as levodopa, carbidopa, amantadine, pramipexole, sellegilline etc.
They are given according to patient disease profile and symptoms.
They do not vary according to stages of disease.
In parkinsonism, almost all drugs are for symptoms improvement and no drug is proved to halt progression of disease.
In nutshell, drug is selected on the basis of symptoms or associated other diseases.
I hope I have solved your query.
If you are satisfied with my answer helpful then close the thread after giving favorable comments.
With regards dr varinder
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng