1.1. Levodopa, more severe cases may need neuro stimulators and medication stimulators
1.2. Patient safety is key here. With patient shuffling, fall risks are to be initiated, and social work might be needed. Patients are often confused and they might need extra help at home, therapy, or nursing home placement.
2. Pathophysiology and Etiology
2.1. Parkinsons disease is defined by degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta and by accumulation of α-synuclein in Lewy bodies.
2.2. Decrease dopamine release, which alters by which basal ganglia control movement.
2.3. Combination of genetic and environmental factors
3. Risk Factors
3.1. Combination of genetic and environmental factors.
3.2. Environment: mitochondrial poisons, exposure to pesticides, TBI, aging
3.3. Genetic: common alleles with low penetrance to rarer highly penetrant alleles that dramatically increase risk or cause autosomal dominant forms of the disease
5.1. These patients are at risk of falling. Their muscles will start to break down, so we need to watch skin breakdown and ulcerations. We also need to watch bones and muscles.
5.2. No specific electrolyte abnormalities unless the patient stops eating or drinking. Ensuring these patients are hydrated play a big role in disease progression.
6. Diagnosis
6.1. Diagnosis is clinical symptom-based. Genetic testing can be done and a CT of the head can be done to rule out other conditions. Basic lab work can also be done to rule other things out.
