MQ Health Neurology Clinic
- Suite 204, Level 2
- 2 Technology Place
- Macquarie University NSW 2109
- T: +61 (2) 9812 3720
- E: neurology@mqhealth.org.au
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Find out whyA disorder of the nervous system
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects the control you have over your body movements.
Parkinson’s disease causes a range of movement-related symptoms such as trembling and difficulty walking. It usually occurs gradually and becomes more serious over time.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, and treatment aims to control the symptoms to improve a person’s quality of life.
At MQ Health Neurology, we manage the care of more than 400 people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders and are involved in unique research into the progression of the disease.
Symptoms
The most common movement-related symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease include:
- tremors (involuntary shaking)
- slow movements
- stiffness of arms, legs and trunk
- difficulty with balance.
People with Parkinson’s disease may also experience a range of non-movement-related symptoms, including:
- pain
- tiredness
- bladder and bowel problems
- sweating
- difficulty eating and swallowing
- difficulty speaking
- vision problems
- mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.
Parkinson’s disease develops slowly over a period of years. You may have the disease for years without noticing any symptoms.
When to see a doctor
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, make an appointment with your healthcare professional.
Causes
There is no known cause of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers suspect the disease may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
At MQ Health, we’re conducting research into the potential causes of Parkinson’s, so we can reduce the global impact of this debilitating disease that affects so many people.
Diagnosis
There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. If you are experiencing symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease, your healthcare professional will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and health history.
You may also need one or more imaging tests, such as an MRI, to rule out other conditions.
Treatment
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are several treatment options that can help to control your symptoms.
Medications
The most prescribed medication for Parkinson’s disease is called levodopa. Levodopa is used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. It is absorbed in the intestine and is transported to the brain, where it is converted to dopamine.
Dopamine is involved in regulating signals for movement, which is reduced in the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients.
As different medications affect people differently, your doctor may want to trial a few options, or combinations, before you find one that works for you.
Surgery
Surgical techniques for Parkinson’s disease are emerging. Surgery can help to control symptoms and reduce the amount of medication you need. It can also be useful for people who are unable to control their symptoms with medication.
The most common surgery for Parkinson’s disease is deep brain stimulation, which involves implanting electrodes in certain parts of the brain. The electrodes send electrical impulses that regulate abnormal impulses.
Your doctor can talk to you more about deep brain stimulation and determine if it is a suitable option for you.
Lifestyle changes
There are many healthy lifestyle strategies that can play a part in controlling symptoms and help you feel better overall, like exercising every day and eating a healthy diet.
Your doctor can help you to develop a safe exercise and diet plan, or refer you to a specialist such as a physiotherapist or dietitian.
Risk factors
Researchers don't fully understand the causes and risk factors for Parkinson’s disease. However, the following risk factors have been identified:
- age – Parkinson’s disease is more common in people aged over 40
- family history – having a family member with the disease might increase your risk
- ethnicity – Parkinson’s disease seems to be more common in Caucasian people
- previous head injury – some research indicates trauma to the head or neck could be linked with an increased risk of developing the disease.
Current research
Our researchers are investigating the causes of Parkinson’s disease and potential therapies for it. They are also researching other types of neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation.
Our research uses funding from the Michael J Fox Foundation to explore the normal processes of brain function and how these change in response to ageing and Parkinson’s disease.
Our neurosurgery research is working towards better healthcare and treatments for patients with Parkinson’s disease, as well as novel approaches to neuroimaging.
