ParkinsonsDisease

Involves deterioration of dopamine-using neurons in the SubstantiaNigra. A loss of about 60% of these neurons will cause the first signs of Parkinson’s. A loss of about 90% is consummate with advanced Parkinson’s.

Symptoms

Symptoms include

• tremor when at rest
• rigidity (caused by simultaneous contraction of flexors and extensors)
• bradykinesia (slow motion; a difficulty initiating voluntary movement).
• “pill-rolling”, a characteristic motion of the hands
• worsened performance in ProbabilisticClassificationLearning

Treatments

[[L-dopa?]]/carbidopa, dopamine agonists

Brand names of dopamine agonists include Mirapex, Permax, Requip. Treatment with [[L-dopa?]] can also induce dyskinesia (involuntary motions).

Thalamotomy

Pallidotomy

DeepBrainStimulation

See ActivaTremorControlProsthetic.

Transplantation

CategoryBasalGanglia

CategoryPathology