Parkinson’s disease

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Central nervous system

Substantia nigra

(Page 2)

Support groups may help you cope with the changes caused by the disease.

See: Parkinson's disease - support group

Untreated, the disorder will get worse until a person is totally disabled. Parkinson's may lead to a deterioration of all brain functions, and an early death.

Most people respond to medications. How much the medications relieve symptoms, and for how long can be very different in each person. The side effects of medications may be severe.

• Difficulty performing daily activities
• Difficulty swallowing or eating
• Disability (differs from person to person)
• Injuries from falls
• Pneumonia from breathing in (aspirating) saliva
• Side effects of medications

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Call your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of Parkinson's disease
• Symptoms get worse
• New symptoms occur

Also tell the health care provider about medication side effects, which may include:

• Changes in alertness, behavior or mood
• Delusional behavior
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Involuntary movements
• Loss of mental functions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe confusion or disorientation

Also call your health care provider if the condition gets worse and home care is no longer possible.

Review Date: 05/06/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Daniel Kantor, MD, Medical Director of Neurologique, Ponte Vedra, FL and President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/4/2010).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).