Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Posted by Isabella Tunner | July 29th, 2010 in Parkinson's Disease, Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease | No Comments »

Parkinson's DiseasePart of parkinsonian patients develops, over time, subcortical dementia.

Although the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is largely clinical, can take account of hyposmia (may precede up to 20 years to your appearance), positron emission tomography showing decrease of dopamine in the striatum, markers recently biological and electromyography to show subclinical tremor.

An important chapter of this issue is that of drug-induced parkinsonism, which generally refers to the interruption but not always. Drugs that can induce are neuroleptics (phenothiazines, butyrophenones), depleting dopamine (reserpine, tetrabenazine) and calcium channel blockers (cinnarizine, flunarizine).

The clinician, before diagnosing Parkinson’s disease, should take into account the possibility cited in the preceding paragraph as well as a number of neurological disorders that are targets of specialized study.

Fustinoni (in Semiology Nervous System [1997]) says the following signs and symptoms exclude the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease:

Signs and Symptoms that exclude Parkinson

l buccolingual dyskinesia (parkinsonism drug)

l hyperreflexia not justified by previous stroke (Vascular parkinsonism)

l pseudobulbar syndrome (vascular parkinsonism)

l or intentional tremor predominant attitude (Essential tremor)

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Pathophysiology of Parkinson’s Disease

Posted by Isabella Tunner | July 26th, 2010 in Parkinson's Disease, Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease | No Comments »

Parkinson's Diseases

Since the caudate nucleus and putamen, there is a path to the black substance secreted by the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid). In turn, a series of fibers originating in the substantia nigra send axons to the caudate and putamen, secreting an inhibitory neurotransmitter from their terminals, dopamine. This pathway maintains a degree of mutual inhibition of the two areas and the injury causes a series of neurological syndromes, among which is Parkinson’s disease.

The fibers from the cerebral cortex secrete acetylcholine, an excitatory neurotransmitter, in the neostriatum. The causes of abnormal motor activities that make up Parkinson’s disease are related to the loss of the secretion of dopamine by nerve endings in the substantia nigra on the neostriatum (nigrostriatal tract) to the left of suppression.

Thus, neurons that secrete predominantly acetylcholine, excitatory signals broadcast to all basal ganglia, responsible in whole, motor planning and some cognitive functions. It requires a loss of approximately 80% of striatal dopamine to the symptoms.

Histologically, the disease is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus, but can also appear in other locations of the extrapyramidal system. These intracytoplasmic inclusions composed of protein, free fatty acids, sphingomyelin, and polysaccharides.

The incidence of Parkinson’s disease, assessment difficult, is variable ranging from 4.5 to 21 cases per 100,000 population per year. It is the most accurate estimate of the disease and the extent of new cases in a period of time. Prevalence is the total number of cases in a population and at the same time.

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Eyelid Miokimia – The Eyelid without Control Contract

Posted by Isabella Tunner | July 22nd, 2010 in Eyelid Miokimia | No Comments »

eyelud miokimiaAlthough neurologists for the miokimia or eyelid twitching or MP (episodic involuntary contraction of the lower eyelid) does usually more serious, is a frequent cause of consultation.

Patients usually suffer from panic to see in the mirror and keeps your eyelid contract without being able to control is sometimes close to a patient that you mentioned this annoying condition. The patient will automatically think the worst diagnosis: brain tumors, epilepsy, the onset of facial paralysis, etc., But fortunately is very wrong.

For peace of patients by far the most common cause of PD is anxiety or stress. Most patients are tired, has not slept well for several days or had problems at work or home. Then the treatment is first of all try to relax, try to disconnect (it is that you can) the problems, sports, etc.

If the MP is very upset or ashamed to have her patient, anxiety may be indicated to lower your anxiety level. the problem with anxiety is that people are very sensitive to them and are permanently “dazed” after taking the drug. In addition, the MP does not disappear immediately after taking the anti-anxiety, it is usual to take several days before this contraction is reduced involuntary “nervous.”

As it is extremely rare to find an organic cause of the MP, it is rare that additional tests are needed to make the diagnosis.

So the advice is to relax and if they have at some point the MP, is a good time to take a break or decrease engine speed, is the easiest way to get better.

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Neurology and Neurologist

Posted by Isabella Tunner | July 19th, 2010 in Neurological Info | No Comments »

neurologicalNeurology is the science of diseases affecting the nervous system. Neurologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating these diseases.

The nervous system consists of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), peripheral nervous system (nerve roots, nerves, union muscle and nerve and muscles) and autonomic nervous system (responsible for regulating blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, etc.).

Neurological diseases are many, some common (migraine, stress and depression, stroke and cerebral hemorrhage, etc.). And not so common (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Guillain Barre syndrome, etc.)..

The diagnosis of these diseases is first of all clinical, ie, based on history and patient history and physical examination. Then, when the neurologist sees fit, request more specific examinations such as computed tomography, MRI, EEG, EMG, transcranial Doppler, etc.

Once the diagnosis, the neurologist will find the most effective treatment for the patient. As every patient is different each other, the physician should indicate the drug that creates more appropriate for your patient.

Once the treatment, the patient must go to his neurologist checks prompted. Some diseases require a few checks (eg attacks of vertigo or dizziness) and others require more controls (epilepsy, cerebral vascular attacks, etc.)..

Finally, the main objective is to solve the problem the patient, and if there is no definitive treatment for their disease and find ways to best manage the symptoms the patient may have.

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Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease

Posted by Isabella Tunner | July 15th, 2010 in Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Disease | No Comments »

Parkinson's DiagnosisIt was James Parkinson who described the disease in 1817 under the name of paralysis agitans. “The etiology is unknown but pathophysiologically related to a deficiency of dopamine in the striatum, resulting from neuronal degeneration that mainly affects the compact zone of the substantia nigra (locus niger), the locus coeruleus and other properties in catecholamine-containing which are eosinophilic inclusions known as Lewy bodies “(JC Fustinoni).

The extrapyramidal motor system is the set of motor pathways that exert a major influence on spinal motor circuits, brain stem, cerebellum and cortex. Has fibers from the motor cortex that connect with the basal ganglia, particularly the caudate and putamen, as well as bulbar nuclei (red nucleus, substantia nigra and reticular formation) or midbrain and terminate in the anterior horn of the spinal cord.

Several hypotheses attribute the disease to genetic factors (genes have been identified as responsible mutants), metabolic (oxidative stress) or environmental (pesticides, aluminum). 10% of patients exhibit genetic predisposition. One out of every thousand people with the disease is less common in blacks and Japanese.

The onset of the disease is insidious and, retrospectively, patients may report having suffered from hyposmia, pain erratic confused as arthritic origin, dysesthesias burning sensations, depression, mental or seborrheic dermatitis, which can not always be taken into account as a prodrome.

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Introduction to Child Neurology

Posted by Isabella Tunner | July 12th, 2010 in Child Neurology | No Comments »

child neurologyChildhood neurological cause much anguish in the family. However, thanks to scientific advances, most young patients can enjoy a full life today.

What would be the most frequent pathologies in this specialty.

There are two groups of diseases which, by their frequency in childhood and adolescence, represent the main reasons for consultation in the neurological specialty: developmental disorders and so encompass the paroxysms.

A substantial proportion of children has a developmental disorder of sufficient magnitude to require a specialized evaluation. The reasons for consultation vary by age:

In infants: is manifested in the acquisition of maturational patterns, especially motor. In Pre-school stage in the development of language disorders. By school age and adolescence: for disorders of learning and behavior.

A similar or lower rate at some time, a transient paroxysmal episode. These are manifested as a change at the level of motor behavior (convulsions, tics, etc..) Perceptual (headache, dizziness) of impaired breathing (apneas, breath) or level of consciousness (syncope). Within the spectrum of seizures, which may have different ways of presenting stand-febrile seizures.

What other causes of consultations may be cited?

Although less common genetic and chromosomal diseases and central nervous system malformations (Down syndrome, myelomeningocele) and neuromuscular diseases (muscular dystrophy, neuropathies, spinal atrophy), neurodegenerative diseases, some with known metabolic error (phenylketonuria, galactosemia , etc.).
The importance of technological advances.

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Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Posted by Isabella Tunner | July 8th, 2010 in Anxiety, Treatments of Anxiety | No Comments »

treatment of anxiety disorderTreatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder include the use of medication and specific forms of psychotherapy, the most effective treatment for GAD often combines psychotherapy and medication.

The drugs are very effective to relieve symptoms of anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications may be used with antidepressants or anxiolytic effect (not all antidepressants have it).

The benzodiazepine anxiolytics should not be used for longer than one month and that over time tend to produce habituation and a need to increase the dose.

TAG Being a long-term disorder as recommended for psychopharmacological management of symptoms of anxiety is the use of anxiolytic effect associated with antidepressants.

The following antidepressants are approved by the FDA for the treatment of GAD: Escitalopram, Venlafaxine XR / LP, duloxetine and paroxetine. Antidepressants, Anxiolytics unlike benzodiazepines, does not produce habituation (tolerance), therefore there is no risk of generating a drug addiction.

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Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) II

Posted by Isabella Tunner | July 5th, 2010 in Anxiety, Symptoms of Anxiety | No Comments »

anxiety disorderSymptoms related to culture, age and sex:

There are considerable cultural variations on the expression of anxiety (eg, in some cultures express anxiety through somatic symptoms predominate, and in others through cognitive symptoms).

It is important to take into account the cultural context when assessing the excessiveness of some concern.

In children and adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety and worry often refer to the performance or competence at school or sports, even when these individuals are not evaluated by others. Sometimes timeliness is the issue that concerns focused excessive.

Other times, catastrophic events such as earthquakes or nuclear war. Children with the disorder can appear overtly conforming, perfectionist, unsure of themselves and inclined to repeat their work by an excessive disparity to the view that the results do not reach perfection.

In pursuing the approval of others may show a characteristic jealousy, excessive need to ensure the quality of performance or other issues that motivate their concern. In general, the symptoms of GAD tend to decrease with age.

The disorder is slightly more common in females than in males when studying samples of centers (approximately 55-60% of diagnoses are made in women). In epidemiological studies of general population the sex ratio is two thirds for women.

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Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) I

Posted by Isabella Tunner | July 1st, 2010 in Anxiety, Symptoms of Anxiety | No Comments »

anxiety disorderThe main symptom is anxiety, which is persistent over time (longer than 6 months) and widespread, a wide range of events or activities (such as work or school performance), not being restricted to a particular situation as phobias or occurring solely in the form of crisis, as in the case of panic.

The state of anxiety is almost constant, oscillating slightly during the course of the day and affecting sleep quality.

Anxiety is frequently associated with excessive worry (apprehensive expectation call). For example: fear that a close relative or the person who suffers from this disorder may have an accident, illness or death. The person finds it difficult to control this state of constant concern.

Anxiety and worry are associated with three or more of the following symptoms:

*Nervousness, restlessness or impatience
*Fatigue (tiredness) easy
*Difficulty concentrating or making the mind blank
*Irritability
*Muscle tension, tremor, headache (headache), leg movement and inability to relax
*Sleep disturbance: difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up not feeling rested well (restless sleep)
*Sweating, palpitations or tachycardia, gastrointestinal problems, dry mouth, dizziness, hyperventilation (increase in the number of breaths per minute).

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Kind Of Anxiety

Posted by Rio Ferdinand | June 30th, 2010 in Anxiety | No Comments »

Theorists like Paul Tillich and psychoanalysts such as Sigmund Freud described this kind of anxiety as the “trauma of nonbeing.” The human being comes at a time in his life where he realizes that there is the possibility of ceasing to exist (die). It then develops the anxiety about the reality and existence. According to Tillich and Freud, religion becomes an important mechanism for dealing with this type of anxiety, since many religions define death as a divine and eternal continuity of life on earth as opposed to the complete end of existence.

According to Viktor Frankl, author of the book Man’s Search for Meaning (in English), the lowest instincts of the human face of mortal danger is to find a way of life to combat this “trauma of non- being “at the approach of death, when the temptation to succumb to (even by suicide) is very strong.

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