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Neurology — Parkinson Disease

Progressive neurodegenerative disorder of dopaminergic neurons producing motor and non-motor symptoms.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Neurology — Parkinson Disease?

Parkinson disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by alpha-synuclein aggregation and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.

Diagnosis is clinical, requiring bradykinesia plus rest tremor or rigidity, with supportive features (asymmetric onset, levodopa response, hyposmia, REM behaviour disorder).

Modern management addresses motor symptoms with levodopa-based therapy and non-motor symptoms (depression, cognitive impairment, autonomic dysfunction) through multidisciplinary care.

Symptoms

Asymmetric resting tremor (4 to 6 Hz pill-rolling)
Bradykinesia with reduced amplitude and speed
Cogwheel and lead-pipe rigidity
Postural instability (later stage)
Hypomimia, micrographia and shuffling gait
Hyposmia, constipation, REM sleep behaviour disorder, depression

Risk Factors

Advancing age (most important non-modifiable risk)
Family history (LRRK2, GBA, parkin gene mutations)
Pesticide and herbicide exposure
Rural residence, well-water consumption
Male sex
REM behaviour disorder (high prodromal risk)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Resting tremor or progressive slowness without obvious cause
  • Frequent falls or progressive postural instability
  • Cognitive decline, hallucinations or behavioural change
  • Motor fluctuations and dyskinesias under levodopa therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Detailed clinical assessment, MIBG scintigraphy or DaTscan when diagnosis uncertain
02
Levodopa with carbidopa or benserazide (most effective motor therapy)
03
Dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, COMT inhibitors as adjuncts
04
Advanced therapies: deep brain stimulation, levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel, apomorphine pump
05
Physiotherapy, speech therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, balance training
06
Treatment of non-motor symptoms (depression, constipation, orthostasis, sleep disorders)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.