Hi lee95-ga.
I found a number of helpful sites that not only describe the
pathophysiology of Parkinson’s Disease along with its signs and
symptoms, but that also give lists of other conditions that give rise
to a similar constellation of symptoms. I have summarized the most
helpful sites below.
A Description of Parkinson’s Disease (from The Parkinson’s Disease
Foundation, http://www.pdf.org/AboutPD/symptoms.cfm)
Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative neurological disorder resulting
from the depigmentation of the Substantia Nigra, a small section of
the brain. The Substantia Nigra is a major producer of dopamine, an
inhibitory neurotransmitter. Dopamine is responsible for, among other
things, modulation of normal movement. When there is a relative
deficiency of dopamine then abnormalities of movement occur. The most
recognizable symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include tremor, rigidity,
bradykinesia or slowed movement, poor balance, and multiple
difficulties with walking, especially a shuffling gait. Other symptoms
could be depression, sleep disturbances, dizziness, stooped posture,
constipation, dementia, and problems with speech, breathing,
swallowing, and sexual function. Each individual experiences a
different combination of symptoms and may not experience all of the
above listed problems.
Differential Diagnosis of Parkinson Syndrome (from
http://www.parkinsons-information-exchange-network-online.com/archive/091.html)
There are a number of conditions that can give rise to symptoms
similar to those found in Parkinson’s Disease. Of course the majority
of cases of Parkinson’s Syndrome can be attributed to Parkinson’s
Disease and a variant juvenile form with an earlier onset. Other
causes are post-infectious Parkinson’s; drug reactions (e.g., dopamine
receptor blocking drugs (antipsychotic. antiemetic drugs), reserpine,
tetrabenazine, alpha-methyl-dopa, lithium, flunarizine, cinnarizine);
toxins (MPTP, ethanol, methanol, mercury); pugilistic encephalopathy
(this is the type Muhammed Ali has); endocrine disease; and a host of
neurodegenerative diseases. Nowhere in Baylor College’s differential
diagnosis does any condition related to spinal fluid leakage appear.
Check out the above reference for a complete list of differentials and
descriptions.
Spinal Fluid Leakage—Symptoms (from
http://www.neurosurgery.org/focus/july00/9-1-7.pdf)
Most cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a side effect seen with
lumbar puncture, usually performed to diagnose meningitis or other
infection of the nervous system. The most recognized symptom of CSF
leakage is headache, but other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and
diplopia (double vision). Parkinson’s syndrome is not a recognized
constellation of symptoms resulting from CSF leakage.
I hope that this information is helpful. Here is a list of searches
that I performed to find the above information:
://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=spinal+fluid+leakage+symptoms
://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=parkinson%27s+disease
://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=parkinson%27s+disease
As always, if you are experiencing symptoms that you feel represent
Parkinson’s Syndrome you should be sure to contact your personal
physician for a complete evaluation.
Good luck to you.
Boquinha-ga |
