Every case of Parkinson’s is different and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. For example, not all people develop tremor and for some, rigidity is the major symptom. With modern medication, symptoms can be well controlled.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that is considered to be one of the most common neurological conditions. It’s caused by the destruction of nerve cells in a small section of the brain called the substantia nigra that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. A similar destruction occurs naturally with ageing, but in Parkinson’s the process is much faster. Certain specific nerve cells are lost, which lead to the typical major symptoms of tremor, stiffness of muscles and slowness of movement.
Symptoms are caused by the breakdown of certain dopamine-containing nerve cells in the brain. Dopamine is one of many neurotransmitters, i.e. a substance needed for communication between nerve cells. Dopamine is produced by nerve cells seated deep in the centre of the brain. The brain is always using dopamine to control nerve signals, which in turn control the body’s movements. Dopamine, like other neurotransmitters, is constantly produced and used up (destroyed). In Parkinson's, the production of dopamine is impaired whilst its use and destruction remains. This causes a dopamine deficit, whereby the body’s movement control is impaired.
Other difficulties that are not related to movement can also occur, such as pain, sleep disturbance and depression these are known as ‘non-motor symptoms’.
If over a period of time you notice that you have some of these symptoms then your doctor may consider that you have Parkinson’s and will refer you to a specialist for their opinion.
