The Buzz That Won't Quit

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder characterized by bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, tremor, and impaired balance. The diagnosis is a clinical one, based on history and physical alone. Symptoms often begin unilaterally and are gradual in onset and progression. Non-motor features of PD that can be debilitating to patients are autonomic dysfunction, such as orthostatic hypotension, constipation, and erectile dysfunction; sleep disturbances like REM sleep behavioral disorder and insomnia; and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. While there are several medications available to treat the symptoms of PD, the mainstay of treatment is levodopa, which is paired with carbidopa in a combination pill. The timing of doses is critical to the drug’s success, and should be taken into account if a patient with PD is hospitalized.