What Is Parkinson's Disease? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods

What Is Parkinson's Disease? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods – 2025 Guide

What Is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease that occurs as a result of damage to substantia nigra cells, one of the regions of the brain that controls movement and coordination. These cells produce dopamine. However, in patients with Parkinson's, these cells have died or been damaged, so dopamine cannot be produced and the nervous system malfunctions.

Causes of Parkinson's Disease

1. Genetic Factors

In individuals with a genetic predisposition, certain gene mutations may increase the risk of Parkinson's. In types with familial inheritance, it appears at an earlier age.

1. Environmental Factors

Exposure to agricultural chemicals, insecticides and environmental pollution may increase the risk of Parkinson's.

1. Biological Findings

The presence of Lewy bodies and the accumulation of alpha-synuclein proteins within them are biological markers of the disease.

Symptoms of Parkinson's

1. Early-Stage Symptoms

Tremor of the hands at rest

Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)

Reduced facial expression

Speech disorders

Decreased handwriting size

Sudden movements during sleep

Loss of smell (anosmia)

1. Advanced-Stage Symptoms

Muscle stiffness (rigidity)

Balance problems (postural instability)

Dizziness and fainting

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Urinary incontinence

Constipation

Excessive sweating

Insomnia

Classification of Parkinson's Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

Slowing of movements

Tremor and gait disturbances

Decrease in step length

Feeling of chilliness and numbness

Cognitive and Psychiatric Symptoms

Memory loss

Depression and anxiety

Dementia (a condition including hallucinations and delusions)

How Is Parkinson's Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by specialist neurologists using the following methods:

Detailed medical history

Neurological examination

Assessment of daily living activities

Levodopa response test

Supportive Diagnostic Tools

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Dopamine transporter scan (DaTscan)

Main Criteria for Diagnosing Parkinson's

Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) is a mandatory finding. At least one of the following findings must also be present:

Tremor

Rigidity

Balance impairment

Stages of Parkinson's Disease

Stage 1

This is the period in which non-motor symptoms come to the fore.

Stage 2

Slow movements and loss of facial expression appear.

Stage 3

Marked motor impairments are observed on neurological examination.

Stage 4

Motor complications affecting daily life become prominent.

Who Gets Parkinson's?

It most commonly occurs in individuals aged 60 and over. Onset before age 40 has been identified in 10% of all patients. If there are familial gene mutations, it may also begin at a young age.

Parkinson's in Young People

Familial predisposition and genetic mutations are the cause of young-onset Parkinson's. Cases under age 20 are very rare but can be observed.

Impact of Parkinson's on the Course of the Disease and Quality of Life

Parkinson's is a disease that progresses slowly but seriously affects quality of life over time. Starting treatment early may slow this progression.

Parkinson's Treatment Methods

Medical Treatment

Levodopa

Dopamine agonists

MAO-B inhibitors

COMT inhibitors

Adenosine A2A receptor blockers

Each aims to alleviate motor symptoms by increasing dopamine levels.

Symptomatic Treatment

Supportive treatments are applied for non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, constipation and depression.

Surgical Treatment: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Motor symptoms are alleviated by electrical stimulation through electrodes placed in the brain. Alternatively, ablative procedures (such as thalamotomy) may be applied.

Post-Treatment Care Process for Parkinson's

Routine check-ups

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Regular use of medications

Psychiatric support

Recommendations for Patients and Their Relatives

Adherence to the treatment plan should be maintained

Medications should be taken on time and appropriately

Family members should be educated and the patient should be supported psychologically

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The duration of the thyroid ablation procedure varies depending on the size and number of the nodule and the area treated, but it generally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Before the procedure, mild sedation or local anesthesia is applied to help the patient relax. Thanks to anesthesia, no pain or discomfort is felt during the procedure. In non-surgical thyroid nodule ablation treatment, local anesthesia and, in some patients, intravenous painkillers are applied. Therefore, no pain is felt during the procedure. After the procedure, mild pain, tenderness and swelling may occur in the treated area. If your complaints increase, it is important to consult your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a suitable painkiller to relieve the pain. Recovery after thyroid ablation is quite rapid. In most cases, one can return to normal daily life immediately after the procedure. However, it is important to avoid heavy physical activity, drink plenty of fluids and take the medications recommended by your doctor regularly during the first few days after the procedure. Regular follow-ups after ablation treatment are very important for evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment and for early detection of possible complications. During the follow-up process, the following procedures are generally performed:

Blood tests: Blood tests are requested to check your thyroid hormone levels and some other values.

Ultrasonography: Ultrasonography is performed to evaluate the condition of your thyroid gland and nodules.

Physical examination: It is checked whether there is any swelling or tenderness in your neck area.

The frequency of follow-ups may vary depending on the patient's condition and the doctor's recommendation. Generally, follow-ups are more frequent in the first year and less frequent in the following years. Follow-ups are carried out in collaboration between endocrinology and interventional radiology. Thyroid ablation is accepted as a less invasive and safer alternative to surgery, especially in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. However, thyroid ablation alone may not be sufficient for all thyroid diseases. Some of the situations that may require surgery after thyroid ablation are as follows:

Large and Widespread Nodules: Surgical treatment may be required for nodules that are very large or cover a large part of the thyroid gland.

Malignant Tumors: Surgical treatment is generally preferred for cancerous thyroid nodules.

Recurrent Nodules: If the nodule recurs after ablation, surgery may be required. In addition, ablation may be performed as a second and third session.

Although thyroid ablation holds an important place in the treatment of thyroid diseases, it does not mean that surgical methods will completely disappear. Since each patient's condition is different, the treatment method is determined according to the patient's characteristics and the doctor's evaluation. Thyroid ablation treatment is generally not applied during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Energy sources used in ablation procedures (such as radiofrequency or microwave) may carry potential risks for the fetus or the breastfed baby. Therefore, for women with thyroid nodule problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding, different treatment methods are evaluated.

For women with thyroid disease during pregnancy and breastfeeding, medication treatment is generally preferred. However, since each patient's condition is different, the treatment plan must be evaluated by an endocrinologist.

The treatment of Parkinson's disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, primarily involving neurology. It is important for the person to attend regular doctor check-ups and to have the necessary tests and lab work done. For the most effective conduct of the treatment process, you can make an appointment with our Neurology Department.

Our Neurology Specialists:

Specialist Dr. Gülümser Kızıltaş Tokmak

Specialist Dr. Nuran Burcu Arkalı