The diagnosis that patient MB presents with is Parkinson’s disease (PD). The features that MB presents with are resting tremors, postural instability, rigidity, and a mask-like face. MB also displays with some symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
The Figure above shows the clinical features that are seen with PD patients. (HumanBiology.com) 7
Pathophysiology:
Parkinson’s Disease is a disease of the extrapyramidal system. It specifically entails a dysfunctional Basal Ganglia and nigrostriatal pathway.10 This system maintains upright body posture, coordination and muscle tone. It also regulates facial movement, expression and swallowing. Substantia nigra is a nucleus of the midbrain that produces one of the amine transmitters, …show more content…
Some research and evidence states that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can play a role. Of all the chemical exposures that have been linked to PD, pesticides have been reported the most consistently. Although most studies show a positive association between pesticide exposure and PD, no specific agent has been implicated consistently. Agriculture employs a range of pesticides, so identifying the causative agent is extremely difficult. Necropsy studies have found increased levels of organochlorine pesticides in the brains of patients with …show more content…
Stage 1 is the mildest form of PD. There may be unusual symptoms, but they are not severe enough to interfere with daily tasks and overall lifestyle. In fact, the signs of the disorder are so minimal at this stage that they are often overlooked. One of the main signs we see at this stage is tremors and other difficulties with movement. Stage 2 is a moderate form of PD and the symptoms become more noticeable than the symptoms in Stage 1. One will typically see some stiffness and more tremors, trembling may become more noticeable, and changes in facial expression can occur. In this stage, balance is not impaired. Patients feel symptoms on both sides of the body and can experience some speech difficulties. The progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2 can take months or even years. There is no way to predict individual progression. Stage 3 is the mid-stage of Parkinson’s, and it marks a major turning point in the progression of the disease. One will now begin to see loss of balance and possibly decreased reflexes. Loss of balance and decreased reflexes contribute to falls, which are common in this stage. In Stage 4, patients begin to lose their independence. Patients begin to require a walker or other type of assistive device. Patients are unable to live alone at this stage. Stage 5 is the last and most debilitating stage. Advanced stiffness in the legs can cause freezing, requiring
The Figure above shows the clinical features that are seen with PD patients. (HumanBiology.com) 7
Pathophysiology:
Parkinson’s Disease is a disease of the extrapyramidal system. It specifically entails a dysfunctional Basal Ganglia and nigrostriatal pathway.10 This system maintains upright body posture, coordination and muscle tone. It also regulates facial movement, expression and swallowing. Substantia nigra is a nucleus of the midbrain that produces one of the amine transmitters, …show more content…
Some research and evidence states that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can play a role. Of all the chemical exposures that have been linked to PD, pesticides have been reported the most consistently. Although most studies show a positive association between pesticide exposure and PD, no specific agent has been implicated consistently. Agriculture employs a range of pesticides, so identifying the causative agent is extremely difficult. Necropsy studies have found increased levels of organochlorine pesticides in the brains of patients with …show more content…
Stage 1 is the mildest form of PD. There may be unusual symptoms, but they are not severe enough to interfere with daily tasks and overall lifestyle. In fact, the signs of the disorder are so minimal at this stage that they are often overlooked. One of the main signs we see at this stage is tremors and other difficulties with movement. Stage 2 is a moderate form of PD and the symptoms become more noticeable than the symptoms in Stage 1. One will typically see some stiffness and more tremors, trembling may become more noticeable, and changes in facial expression can occur. In this stage, balance is not impaired. Patients feel symptoms on both sides of the body and can experience some speech difficulties. The progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2 can take months or even years. There is no way to predict individual progression. Stage 3 is the mid-stage of Parkinson’s, and it marks a major turning point in the progression of the disease. One will now begin to see loss of balance and possibly decreased reflexes. Loss of balance and decreased reflexes contribute to falls, which are common in this stage. In Stage 4, patients begin to lose their independence. Patients begin to require a walker or other type of assistive device. Patients are unable to live alone at this stage. Stage 5 is the last and most debilitating stage. Advanced stiffness in the legs can cause freezing, requiring