The Difference Between Parkinson’s and Dyskinesia and Treatment Options

The Difference Between Parkinson’s and Dyskinesia and Treatment Options

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the nervous system, causing tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Dyskinesia can be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, particularly the result of taking Levodopa medications to treat Parkinson’s symptoms. As Parkinson’s progresses, deteriorating dopamine brain cells have increasing difficulty in managing normal movement. Dyskinesia is characterized by abnormal, jerky, or writhing movements. The main treatments for parkinson’s and dyskinesia are as follows:

1. Valbenazine prescribed medications

Valbenazine is a relatively new medication that is used to treat Parkinson’s dyskinesia. Valbenazine drug class works by blocking the action of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. This can help to reduce the severity of involuntary movements by using:

  • Dopamine agonists : Dopamine agonists are medications that mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain. They can be helpful in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s, but they can also cause dyskinesia.
  • MAO-B inhibitors : MAO-B inhibitors are medications that block the action of an enzyme called MAO-B. This enzyme breaks down dopamine in the brain. By inhibiting this enzyme, these medications can help to increase levels of dopamine in the brain. This can be beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s.
  • Anticholinergics : Anticholinergics are medications that block the action of a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is involved in many different functions in the body, including muscle movement. By blocking its action, these medications can help to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

2. Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

In some cases, surgery may be an option for people with Parkinson’s who are not responding to other treatments. There are two main types of surgery that are used to treat the disease:

Deep brain stimulation (or DBS) and Pallidotomy surgery. The DBS surgical procedure involves implanting a device in the brain that sends electrical signals to specific areas. This can help diminish the symptoms of both Parkinson’s and dyskinesia. The Pallidotomy surgical procedure involves destroying a specific brain area called the globus pallidus. This brain area is thought to be involved in the movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s.

3. Change Levodopa dosage

This technique is used to change the dose of levodopa medications. It is often done when the patient first starts experiencing symptoms of dyskinesia. The goal is to find the lowest possible dose that will still provide relief from Parkinson’s symptoms while minimizing dyskinesia writhing and jerking movements.

4. Amantadine prescribed medication

This medication is sometimes used to treat dyskinesia in people with Parkinson’s disease. It can help reduce the severity of involuntary movements.

5. Switching to a different formulation of levodopa

There are different formulations of Levodopa medication that are available. Some patients may find that one formulation works better for them than another. If a patient is having difficulty with dyskinesia, their doctor may recommend changing to a different formulation of levodopa.

6. Parkinson’s therapy and lifestyle changes

Parkinson’s disease therapy aims to relieve the symptoms of the disease (including associated dyskinesia) and improve the quality of life through:

  • Exercise : Physical fitness is beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s dyskinesia. It can help improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength.
  • Occupational therapy : This type of therapy can help people struggling with Parkinson’s disease learn new ways to perform everyday tasks. This can make it easier to cope with the symptoms of the disease (like dyskinesia).
  • Speech therapy : Speech therapy can help people with dyskinesias who have difficulty speaking clearly. The therapist can teach exercises that will help strengthen the muscles of the mouth and tongue used for speaking.

As you can see, there are many different treatment options available for Parkinson’s and dyskinesia. The best course of treatment will vary from patient to patient. It is important to work with your doctor to find the best option for you.