Causes

GIGER MD® Parkinson Therapy
Basic Principles

Parkinson is a common disease of the nervous system. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment here.

Causes

Parkinson’s disease is caused by the failure of a group of nerve cells in the brain to produce adequate amounts of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is necessary for smooth, co-ordinated movement and muscle relaxation. We do not know why the cells cease producing dopamine.

Parkinson’s disease is sometimes referred to as idiopathic, which means that the primary cause is unknown, in order to distinguish it from parkinsonism, which are the symptoms occurring from a known cause. Studies suggest that genetic factors are important in causing Parkinson’s, although a recent one found that they are rarely critical in cases which develop after the age of fifty. Nevertheless, identifying genetic abnormalities that cause early-onset Parkinson’s disease may help researchers learn more about the basic mechanisms of the disease itself. Even with some understanding of the abnormal biological mechanisms in the brain that cause Parkinson’s disease, no one knows at this time how long it takes before nerve damage and dopamine loss trigger symptoms. At this time, the best guess is about five years.

The cause of Parkinson’s disease remains a mystery. Most people who develop symptoms of primary Parkinson’s disease have “Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease”.

Patients may attempt to link the onset of Parkinson symptoms with some acute trauma of an accident, surgery, or extreme emotional distress. Most neurologists discount any direct link; a traumatic event might trigger symptoms before they would otherwise manifest, but this should not be confused with actual causation of the Parkinsonism. After all, most people who experience these traumatic events do not develop a movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease.

There are also secondary forms of Parkinsonism. Some drugs interfere with the brain’s metabolism of dopamine, and prolonged use can produce Parkinson features.

While there are isolated instances of a high incidence of Parkinson disease in certain families, there is at present no definitive research that identifies an actual gene linked to Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (the most common form of PD).

The predominant neuropathological feature of Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a loss of the neuromelanin-containing dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra.

 It is convenient to think of the brain in evolutionary terms:

The higher brain is concerned with intellect and advanced skills, such as movement and manual dexterity, as well as the reception of the senses.

The function of the cerebellum is more primitive; it partially encircles the brain system, symbolically suggesting its role as a stabilizer or moderator, smoothing movements and actions, and regulating the irregular impulses of the higher cortex into controlled activity, while maintaining balance and posture.

Between the cerebellum and the proximal extent of the spinal cord are the basal ganglia. These are amongst the most primitive areas of the brain and contain some of the basic regulatory centres for autonomic function as well as co-ordination.

In one area of the basal ganglia lies a thin band of pigmented neurones (the substantia nigra) degeneration of which results in the onset of Parkinoson’s disease. It seems however not the primary loss of these cells themselves that is the fundamental pathology, but the consequent loss of their neurotransmitter, dopamine. The eventual result is a degeneration of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway, although it is estimated that 80% of dopamine in the striatum is lost before symptoms become clinically apparent.

GIGER MD® therapy improves the quality of life

In case of neurological diseases and injuries. Contact us here!

GIGER MD® Parkinson Therapy
Basic Principles

Parkinson is a common disease of the nervous system. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment here.

Basic Information on Parkinson’s: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Parkinson’s disease, which is also known as Morbus Parkinson, is one of the world’s most common diseases of the nervous system. The elderly are especially affected by this disease and it has a serious impact on the quality of life of those affected. Although modern medicine has made progress in the treatment of Parkinson’s, the disease is still considered incurable.

Parkinson’s Causes

The causes of Parkinson’s disease are not fully understood. The disease is based on a dopamine deficiency due to the death of the neurotransmitter cells that produce this neurotransmitter. Since dopamine plays a central role in cell communication, serious disorders that manifest themselves primarily in the motor skills of those affected thus result from this disease.

Symptoms of this Disease

Parkinson’s is characterized by a variety of symptoms. Depending on the individual case, they are more or less severe. The most important symptoms are as follows:

  • Bradykinesia: The so-called bradykinesia describes the slowdown of the patient’s movements. It is often seen in the early stages of the disease.
  • Rigor: Stiffening of the muscles is also a typical symptom of Parkinson’s. The so-called rigor often affects the legs and neck first, and other areas such as the facial muscles and hands later on. It leads to an unsteady gait, mask-like rigid features and deformities of the hands.
  • Tremor: Parkinson’s often begins with an occasional shaking (tremor) of one or more fingers. Later on, this often extends to the whole arm, the head and the feet.
  • Speech impairments: Due to the stiff facial muscles and impaired control of the motor skills and breathing, many Parkinson’s patients experience speech difficulties that manifest themselves in a monotone voice, for example.

In addition to these main symptoms, those affected by Parkinson’s often suffer from a number of other impairments. Many of them have not been recognized as part of the disease for a long time.

They include:

  • Mental disorders (including depression)
  • Effects on one’s vision and sense of smell
  • Excessive perspiration, cramps and burning in the legs
  • Ticks and spasms
  • Constipation

Nearly 30 percent of Parkinson’s patients also suffer from dementia.

Parkinson’s treatment options

Usually, medication is made use of to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or to prevent its occurrence. However, this often haves significant side effects.

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An effective alternative is training with the GIGER MD® therapy instruments. It has been proven to improve mobility and offer a significant relief from symptoms such as tremor, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement. Already-lost motor and cognitive skills can be relearned. At the same time, GIGER MD® therapy alleviates the side effects of drugs and may allow a reduction in the dosage of the respective medications. As such, those affected can significantly increase their quality of life through regular training.

Receive detailed information on the treatment of Parkinson’s with the GIGER MD® training tools here!

GIGER MD® therapy improves the quality of life

In case of neurological diseases and injuries. Contact us here!

GIGER MD® Parkinson Therapy
Basic Principles

Parkinson is a common disease of the nervous system. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment here.

Basic Information on Parkinson’s: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Parkinson’s disease, which is also known as Morbus Parkinson, is one of the world’s most common diseases of the nervous system. The elderly are especially affected by this disease and it has a serious impact on the quality of life of those affected. Although modern medicine has made progress in the treatment of Parkinson’s, the disease is still considered incurable.

Parkinson’s Causes

The causes of Parkinson’s disease are not fully understood. The disease is based on a dopamine deficiency due to the death of the neurotransmitter cells that produce this neurotransmitter. Since dopamine plays a central role in cell communication, serious disorders that manifest themselves primarily in the motor skills of those affected thus result from this disease.

Symptoms of this Disease

Parkinson’s is characterized by a variety of symptoms. Depending on the individual case, they are more or less severe. The most important symptoms are as follows:

  • Bradykinesia: The so-called bradykinesia describes the slowdown of the patient’s movements. It is often seen in the early stages of the disease.
  • Rigor: Stiffening of the muscles is also a typical symptom of Parkinson’s. The so-called rigor often affects the legs and neck first, and other areas such as the facial muscles and hands later on. It leads to an unsteady gait, mask-like rigid features and deformities of the hands.
  • Tremor: Parkinson’s often begins with an occasional shaking (tremor) of one or more fingers. Later on, this often extends to the whole arm, the head and the feet.
  • Speech impairments: Due to the stiff facial muscles and impaired control of the motor skills and breathing, many Parkinson’s patients experience speech difficulties that manifest themselves in a monotone voice, for example.

In addition to these main symptoms, those affected by Parkinson’s often suffer from a number of other impairments. Many of them have not been recognized as part of the disease for a long time.

They include:

  • Mental disorders (including depression)
  • Effects on one’s vision and sense of smell
  • Excessive perspiration, cramps and burning in the legs
  • Ticks and spasms
  • Constipation

Nearly 30 percent of Parkinson’s patients also suffer from dementia.

Parkinson’s treatment options

Usually, medication is made use of to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or to prevent its occurrence. However, this often haves significant side effects.

YouTube

By loading the video, you agree to YouTube's privacy policy.
Learn more

Load video

An effective alternative is training with the GIGER MD® therapy instruments. It has been proven to improve mobility and offer a significant relief from symptoms such as tremor, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement. Already-lost motor and cognitive skills can be relearned. At the same time, GIGER MD® therapy alleviates the side effects of drugs and may allow a reduction in the dosage of the respective medications. As such, those affected can significantly increase their quality of life through regular training.

Receive detailed information on the treatment of Parkinson’s with the GIGER MD® training tools here!

GIGER MD® therapy improves the quality of life

In case of neurological diseases and injuries. Contact us here!

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