A decade has passed, and many have changed; so has the knowledge of the people. From understanding mobile phones and transitioning to touch devices to getting into artificial intelligence, people have transformed. It did not end with technology but also extended to knowing about their illness. Across the country, the neurologists find it easy to introduce the terminology named Parkinsonism.
Most people in the city know Parkinsonism or even come enquiring if they have it. For those who are still not acquainted with this word, Parkinsonism is a neurological disorder that makes the affected person become slow in activities of daily living, with some reporting tremors, stiffness of the limbs, and imbalance while walking. It predominantly affects people around 60 years of age and is one of the major reasons for falls in this age group. It is a progressive condition known to deteriorate gradually over the years.
Having found some introductions in most households, Parkinsonism still lacks a proper description in the minds of those who know this terminology. What does it mean? This means that individuals affected by Parkinsonism believe that everyone with the condition has a single disease characterised by a typical progression and uniform response to medication. This mindset leads to disappointment and a constant search for relief with different doctors when the reality does not match the expectations.
The truth is parkinsonism is not a single disease but a spectrum that encompasses a group of disorders under common symptomatology (slowness of activities). Unlike the slowness expected with ageing, Parkinsonism interferes with activities of basic living, like getting out of a chair, brushing teeth, feeding, or maintaining personal hygiene. While these can be common to anybody with parkinsonism, there are exclusive features that subdivide them into different types. Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease is the type of parkinsonism that receives the most attention and is widely discussed in the media.
However, there are other types of Parkinsonism, namely atypical, heredodegenerative, and secondary Parkinsonism. Knowing them makes the treatment appropriate and provides a proper vision of the prognosis and also allows us to realistically expect the outcome of the treatment. If the type of parkinsonism is not properly documented, it could naturally convey the impression that the affected person could be suffering from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (as this is the most spoken-about type). This leads the affected person to assume a similar response to treatment and the progress of the disease, as expected with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
In reality, if the affected person has a different type of Parkinsonism, it may result in outcomes that do not match their expectations. This leads to an unsettled feeling within the affected person, leading to multiple consultations with various specialities and sometimes seeking alternative forms of medications without much evidence of efficacy. In addition, the affected person does not have a roadmap for managing the condition, which leads to poor quality of life and complications.
It would be delusional to say that taking your meds is the only way to beat Parkinsonism. Parkinsonism is not only about improving the motor symptoms (slowness, stiffness, and tremor). It is also about working on the non-motor symptoms. The focus on pharmacotherapy often overlooks these invisible symptoms, which significantly impair quality of life.
Some of the most bothersome issues are constipation, low blood pressure on standing, low mood and depression, leg pain during sleep, bloating, and lack of appetite. More than medications, most of the symptoms require a dedicated team that comprises a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, swallow therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, urologist, dietician, and gastroenterologist.
The role of such a team in liaison with the neurologist makes a big difference for the patient affected with Parkinsonism. For atypical Parkinson’s disease, parkinsonian medications mainly help support the treatment, while the teamwork of different specialists and supportive medications is the main way to manage the condition.
We work together as a team and bring a smile to the patient with Parkinsonism. Together as a team, we can conquer Parkinsonism.
What is Parkinsonism?
Parkinsonism is a neurological condition that causes slowness, stiffness, tremors, and balance issues. It mainly affects people over 60 years of age.
Is Parkinsonism the same as Parkinson’s disease?
No. Parkinsonism is a broader term that includes several disorders, while idiopathic Parkinson’s disease is only one type.
What are the different types of Parkinsonism?
The main types include idiopathic, atypical, heredodegenerative, and secondary Parkinsonism. Each type differs in cause, progression, and treatment response.
Why do people with Parkinsonism respond differently to treatment?
Because Parkinsonism has multiple types, not all patients react the same to medication. Correct diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and realistic expectations.
How is Parkinsonism managed effectively?
Treatment goes beyond medication. A team involving physiotherapists, psychologists, dieticians, and neurologists helps manage both motor and non-motor symptoms.
Can Parkinsonism be controlled with teamwork?
Yes. Collaborative care among specialists and consistent follow-up can improve quality of life and help patients manage symptoms better.
Dr. Venkatraman Karthikeayan MBBS , MD (General Medicine), DM ( Neurology) DNB (Neurology) Senior Consultant Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
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