Parkinsonism

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous disorder. The hands tremble, the muscles contract and the person’s movements gradually slow down which are some symptoms of this disease. Our nervous system consists of an extra –pyramidal- system and any defect in the same causes this disease.

Symptoms and reasons- James Parkinson’s first described this disease in 1817. Involuntary trembling of limbs, decreased strength of the muscles, the body bending forward, the face appearing blank and without any emotions due to the facial muscles being stiffened, loss of a normal gait which turns into baby steps are some of the symptoms collectively known as the Parkinson’s disease. This tremor never manifests while sleeping or while at work but only when one is sitting calmly or is very tired or excited. The fingers, especially the thumb, tend to move as though you are working on a string of beads. The tremor is always felt, the jaw moves as it does while chewing and even the lips tremble. In advanced cases, one experiences trouble while speaking. Since the muscles stiffen, one experiences backache and muscular pain. However, one’s memory, intellect and sharpness remain unaffected.  Since the patient’s limbs keep trembling, he turns irritable and restless. Further, with the stiffening of the fingers, his handwriting turns minute and ineligible. In advance cases, he is unable to speak or write. The face appears blank and emotionless. There is no known reason for Parkinson’s yet. Our brain has a part called Basal Ganglia which has a group of black cells called substantia niagra. When these cells degenerate, the hormone that these cells secrete called Dopamine is in deficiency. This is when Parkinson’s sets in. Deficiency of Dopamine results in irregular functioning of the muscles.

Parkinson’s can be set in as a result of Meningitis or consumption of poisonous substances like Carbon Monoxide. In case of elderly patients, it can be a result of the contraction of arteries carrying blood. Stress can cause accumulation of toxic substances in the body which could also lead to Parkinson’s. When one faces deficiency of Vitamin E in the early years, then he is more susceptible to Parkinson’s in middle age. Research is in progress on these lines.

Treatment– The disease can be kept in control with artificial dosages of Dopamine, however one can still experience the tremor in the body. Certain surgeries can also prove beneficial, but any brain surgery is any time difficult and complicated. In a new research, it is being tested if the portion of middle brain from dead infants can be implanted into a patient’s brain and check the result.

Physiotherapy– It is beneficial to relax the stiffened muscles and to bring coherence to movements.

Biochemic– Salt therapy can treat deficiency of certain elements in the body. Silicia 12X, Calcaria Fleur 6x, ColiFloss 6X can prove beneficial.

Homeopathy- Homeopathic treatment, when administered from the early stages of the disease, proves effective. Aurum Met, Cyphilinum, Plumbum Met, Valeriana, Ferum Met, Arsemic Alb, Acid group of remedies and many such medicines can be used in varying potencies. Homeopathic medicines can be administered even while dopamine dose is on. However, expert advice is very essential in this case.