Frequently Asked Questions

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurological disease caused by degeneration of nerve cells in an area in the brain called the substantia nigra. It is a part of the basal ganglia circuit that controls movements. The cells in substantia nigra produces an important chemical called dopamine required for the normal functions of the basal ganglia circuits which allows us to make the desired type of movements and prevent unwanted movements.  It is estimated that about 7-10 million people have the disease world - wide and about 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. While the risk of a PD increases with age (average age of onset in the early 60s), around 5-10 percent develop the symptoms before the age of 50 and about 1-2 % have other family members affected by the same condition.

Degeneration or date of basal cell ganglia and a part of the brain which releases dopamine can cause Parkinson's disease at a later age. A steep drop in dopamine is responsible for many symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Loss of nerve endings that release norepinephrine, the chemical responsible for many motor actions. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not yet known, but scientists believe it to be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors(toxin exposure).  

Physical symptoms of Parkinsonism are: Muscle stiffness Rigid joints Tremors Imbalance  Hunching or stooping Inability to walk.

Parkinson's disease is caused by brain degenerative nerve cells, causing a dopamine drop. In contrast, Parkinsonism can be caused due to several reasons: Side effects of medications  Chronic head injury or trauma Metabolic diseases  After effects of toxins Neurological diseases  Parkinsonism is a group of disorders that mimic symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

 Vascular Parkinsonism: reduced blood supply to some parts of the brain. The brain in that part does not function efficiently and causes Parkinson's symptoms. Post-traumatic Parkinsonism: Brian tissue damage due to chronic or repetitive brain injury, which results in reduced blood supply to parts of the brain. E.g., boxing. Toxin causing Parkinsonism: toxic chemicals which can cause changes to dopamine-releasing parts of the brain.  Normal pressure hydrocephalus: this happens when excess CSF causes pressure in parts of the brain  Postencephalitic: after encephalitis infection, Brain cells are damaged  Atypical Parkinsonism Supra nuclear palsy Multiple system atrophy Alzheimer's. Wilson's disease. Huntington's disease.

Parkinsonism can worsen only if treatment is not received at the right time. It is a reversible disorder if the reason causing Parkinsonism is removed. For, e.g., an obstructing artery, nerve pressure, or discontinuation of the medication causing it(drug-induced Parkinsonism)

Hereditary transmission of vascular Parkinsonism is rare but can happen with cases involving inherited CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts) & leukoencephalopathy.

Aster Hospital in Aster Medcity, Kochi, is an excellent center for treating peripheral Neuropathy in Kerala. They have a specialized dedicated unit for the surgical and auxiliary management of peripheral neuropathy cases.

Peripheral neuropathy can be dangerous when precipitated by type 2 diabetes. An infected Foot can cause severe infections or gangrene, which may lead to amputation of the limb or even multi-organ failure if the patient has other health issues.

There are several treatment modalities to help manage the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy: Medications: diabetes control and medication in the form of patches, oral tablets, or injections. Surgery: relieves nerve pressure and repairs damaged nerves which can hamper signal transmission. Physiotherapy: to improve limb stability and balance. Medical devices: to monitor blood glucose, joint braces, special Footwear. Foot care: regular checkups for any infections or cuts on feet.  Pain relief treatments: electrical stimulation therapy, spinal cord implants. Alternative healing therapies: acupuncture.