(b) Remember that the patient is alert and retains vision, ocular
movement, intelligence, and consciousness even though he/she is paralyzed.
(c)
Advise patient's family of helping services of ALS Society of
America.
2-35. PARKINSON'S DISEASE
a. Definition. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder
affecting the brain centers that are responsible for control of movement.
(1) Primary degenerative changes of the basal ganglia and their
connections prevent motor transmission of automatic movements (blinking, facial
(2) The exact cause of Parkinson's is unknown. Suspected causes include
genetic factors, viruses, chemical toxicity, encephalitis, and cerebrovascular disease.
b. Signs and Symptoms.
(1)
Bradykinesia, which usually becomes the most disabling symptom.
(2)
Tremor which tends to decrease or disappear on purposeful movements.
(3)
(4)
Classic shuffling gait.
(5)
Muscle weakness which affects eating, chewing, swallowing, speaking,
writing.
(6)
(7)
Depression.
(8)
Dementia.
c. Medical and Nursing Management.
(1)
Treatment is based on a combination of the following:
(a) Drug therapy.
(b) Physical therapy.
(c)
Rehabilitation techniques.
MD0919
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