Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What are the side-effects of taking medications for Parkinson's disease?

Medications for Parkinson's disease can have some serious side-effects, including nausea, diarrhea, confusion, psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions), and problems with impulse control. It is important not to suddenly stop taking Parkinson's disease medications. If you have symptoms, let your doctor know, so the dose or medication can be changed.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative condition of the brain that causes problems with controlling your movements, as well as a range of other symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

There are many symptoms of Parkinson's disease and they vary from person to person. The main symptoms include tremor or uncontrollable shaking, slowness of movement, stiffness or rigidity in the muscles, and balance problems.

What causes Parkinson's disease?

It's not currently known what causes Parkinson's disease. In a small number of cases it may run in families. Research into understanding possible environmental causes is ongoing.

Who gets Parkinson's disease?

Anyone can get Parkinson's disease; however, it is much more likely to develop in people over 50 years of age. It is more common in men than women.

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?

There is no single test for Parkinson's disease. Your doctor may examine you and ask you about symptoms. They may ask you to perform some simple tests and exercises to more accurately assess your symptoms.

How is Parkinson's disease treated?

Most people with Parkinson's disease are treated with medications, including levodopa, dopamine agonists and Monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors. For some people whose symptoms are not well controlled with medication, surgery is available.

Can Parkinson's disease be cured?

Unfortunately, Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, so all current treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms, rather than stopping or slowing the progress of the condition. Research is ongoing for a cure for Parkinson's disease.

What is the outcome for Parkinson's disease?

Most people can control symptoms of Parkinson's disease very well for many years. However, over the long term, symptoms and side-effects from medications can lead to disability.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking, language and behaviour. It is the most common form of dementia and a leading cause of disability in people over 65 years of age. Treatment aims to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.…
Diseases & conditions

Dementia

Dementia is a collection of symptoms caused by disorders of the brain that cause damage and death to brain neurons. Dementia can affect memory, language, behaviour and the ability to carry out complex tasks. The decline associated with dementia is often gradual and more common in the older population.…
Diseases & conditions

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland. It can lead to an oversupply of hormones that control metabolism, which can cause a wide range of symptoms including a rapid pulse, shaking and hair loss. Treatment involves medication and surgery.…
Diseases & conditions

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. This can lead to impaired sensation, movement and cognition.…
Diseases & conditions

Stroke

A stroke happens when oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the brain cells, often due to blockage or damage of a blood vessel. This loss of oxygen damages brain cells within minutes, which then start dying. Occurring mostly in older adults, a stroke is a serious medical emergency.…
Diseases & conditions

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is more common, however it is the bacterial meningitis that is dangerous with potential serious complications. Meningitis requires prompt medical assessment.…

About this article

Author: Dr Nikki Wallis PhD, BSc
First answered: 27 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Votes: 1031 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Alzheimer’s disease

×

Content goes in here.