Drugs for Parkinson's disease
Article Abstract:
The goal of treatment for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease is to slow progression of the disease. Parkinson's disease is characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells that contain dopamine. Physicians previously only treated the symptoms of Parkinson's disease with such drugs as levodopa and carbidopa. The effectiveness of these drugs is limited because patients usually develop resistance to them. Patients may also develop side effects after a certain period of time. Selegiline, marketed as Eldepryl, is a new drug that may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease in addition to alleviating the symptoms. Other drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease include dopamine agonists, anticholinergics and amantadine. Some patients with Parkinson's disease may require treatment with antidepressants.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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Pallidotomy for Parkinson's disease
Article Abstract:
Pallidotomy techniques have become more refined for treating dykinesia and other motor abnormalities in Parkinson's disease. During this unilateral brain surgery, the patient stays awake while an electrode is used to produce lesions in the globus pallidus. Surgery has produced excellent results in patients except for visual field defects, paralysis, and speech problems. Parkinsonian symptoms returned in some initially improved patients after the surgical procedure.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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